If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is just the thing to bring that comfort right to your dinner table. It’s a delightful celebration of gooey cheese, tender pasta, and rich, flavorful tomato sauce all baked until bubbly and irresistibly golden on top. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family night or want to impress friends with an easy yet impressive meal, this recipe has all the heart and soul of classic Italian-American cooking wrapped into one delicious casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe lies in how straightforward and essential the ingredients are. Each component plays a special role—giving the dish layers of flavor, creamy texture, and that gorgeous cheesy pull we all love.
- Ziti pasta: The perfect tubular pasta to hold onto sauce and cheese inside and out for every bite.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps keep the cooked pasta from sticking.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: For hearty, savory depth; the sausage adds a spiced kick if you like.
- Small onion: Sautéed to sweetness, forming the flavor base.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for that unmistakable Italian aromatic boost.
- Crushed tomatoes: The star of the marinara sauce, bringing vibrant acidity and body.
- Tomato sauce: Deepens the sauce’s texture and flavors.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a perfectly balanced sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds the classic Mediterranean flair.
- Dried basil: For fragrant, sweet herbal notes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat to brighten the sauce if you want a little kick.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To enhance all those mouthwatering flavors.
- Ricotta cheese (optional): For creamy pockets of softness mixed through the pasta.
- Mozzarella cheese: The melty, stretchy cheese that creates that signature gooey top layer.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty sharpness and golden finish when baked.
- Fresh parsley or basil: Optional, but it brightens the dish with fresh herbal color and aroma when garnished.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until it is al dente—meaning it still has a slight firmness to the bite. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil so it doesn’t stick together. This simple step ensures your pasta remains perfectly textured after baking.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet heated over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Then stir in minced garlic, cooking for just another minute to avoid burning but building a wonderful foundational flavor for the sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add your ground beef or Italian sausage to the onions and garlic, cooking until browned and crumbly. Be sure to drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy while still capturing all the savory goodness from the meat.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, melding all those flavors together into a rich, hearty tomato sauce that hugs every piece of pasta.
Step 5: Prep for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for layering your baked ziti and makes cleanup easier.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with most of the meat sauce, reserving some sauce for later. If you love the creamy texture, stir in ricotta cheese here—this adds beautiful richness and pockets of softness throughout the dish.
Step 7: Layer the Dish
Spoon a thin layer of the reserved sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Add half the pasta mixture, then generously sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. This layering is key to building that luscious, gooey texture.
Step 8: Repeat Layers
Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This cheese blanket will bubble and turn golden in the oven, creating irresistible crust and cheesy goodness.
Step 9: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to lock in moisture. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to brown beautifully and the sauce to bubble up through the pasta.
Step 10: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes so it can set slightly and be easier to serve. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil if you like, adding a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are simple yet elegant garnishes that brighten this hearty dish, adding a fresh green contrast and a lovely, fragrant touch that complements the richness.
Side Dishes
Serve your baked ziti alongside a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables to balance its richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up that extra sauce and cheese because, really, can you ever have too much?
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe in individual ramekins for a personal, restaurant-style presentation. Or layer it in a pull-apart bread loaf for a shareable, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s perfect at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked ziti stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It actually tastes even better after a day as the flavors deepen and meld together.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully! After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings; just make sure to cover them to retain moisture and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage and increase the amount of cheese or add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
What’s the best cheese combination for baked ziti?
The classic combination of mozzarella and Parmesan works beautifully for meltiness and flavor, while ricotta adds creaminess inside the pasta. Feel free to experiment with provolone or fontina for different cheese notes.
Can I use other pasta instead of ziti?
Yes! Penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes because their shape holds sauce well, just like ziti.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but not overwhelming heat. You can easily adjust or omit them based on your spice preference.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly before baking?
You can assemble the baked ziti in a dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, bake from frozen but increase baking time by about 15 minutes and bake covered with foil for the first part.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is truly a crowd pleaser that combines comforting warmth, rich flavors, and that ooey-gooey cheese we just can’t resist. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a dish that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti pasta combined with a rich meat and tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this classic dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering hearty flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Make the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for assembling the ziti.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with most of the meat sauce. If using, stir in the ricotta cheese to add creaminess to the mixture.
- Assemble in layers: Spread a thin layer of the reserved sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture on top, then evenly sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
- Add the second layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake the ziti: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired to add a touch of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage, or a mix of both, depending on your preference.
- Ricotta cheese is optional but adds a creamy texture; omit if you prefer a lighter dish.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just increase bake time by about 10 minutes if baking cold.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
