Name: Cheesy Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that brings the heartiness of an Italian-American classic straight to your kitchen. With its rich, meaty tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and bubbling, golden layer of cheese on top, this dish turns any ordinary weeknight into something to look forward to. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a cozy dinner, baked ziti is satisfying, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing.

What makes this dish extra special is how easy it is to pull together with simple pantry staples. You don’t need to be a professional chef to master this baked pasta casserole. It’s ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or freezing ahead for busy nights. Each bite is loaded with cheesy, saucy goodness that hits all the right notes of comfort and flavor.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Ziti pasta is the obvious choice for this classic recipe, thanks to its thick, tubular shape that holds onto the sauce so well. But don’t worry if you can’t find ziti at your local store—penne or rigatoni are perfect substitutes. The key is to choose a pasta with ridges or a hollow center to soak up every bit of sauce and cheese.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Baked Ziti

Ziti Pasta: This short, tube-shaped pasta is the base of the dish and perfectly traps the meat sauce in every bite.

Ground Beef: Brings richness and savory depth to the tomato sauce. You can also use Italian sausage or a combo of both for more flavor.

Marinara Sauce: A good-quality store-bought or homemade sauce lays the flavor foundation. Go for one with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness.

Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta adds softness and creaminess to the layers.

Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the cheesy topping. Shredded mozzarella melts into that irresistible golden crust.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite and helps balance the richness of the other cheeses.

Egg: Mixed with ricotta, the egg helps the cheese layer hold together beautifully.

Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: Boosts the overall flavor profile, adding herby, garlicky notes to the dish.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer to perfection.

How To Make the Cheesy Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti pasta until just shy of al dente according to the package instructions. It will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a bit of garlic powder. Mix until smooth. This will be your creamy middle layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, then layer with all the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and a little Parmesan over the ricotta. Repeat with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Baked Ziti

Serve this dish hot and melty straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread or simple salad. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or even a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream as a substitute.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead.

Is it okay to prepare baked ziti in advance?

Yes! You can assemble it up to a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

How do I avoid dry baked ziti?

Make sure you don’t overcook the pasta and use enough sauce in each layer. Covering it while baking helps lock in moisture.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a fun twist. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.

What size baking dish should I use?

A 9×13-inch dish is perfect for a full batch. For smaller portions, divide the mixture into two 8×8 pans.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Baked Ziti, you’ll probably enjoy these comforting dishes too:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for sausage, beef, or meatless? Did you toss in any surprise veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, faster, and tastier.

Cheesy Baked Ziti

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Pasta Bake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty pasta bake layered with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and three types of melty cheese. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.