Cheesy Baked Ziti

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Golden, bubbling, and oozing with cheese, Cheesy Baked Ziti is the definition of comfort food. Each bite is loaded with layers of tender ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and melty mozzarella, making it a hearty dish that pleases both weeknight diners and weekend guests. Its rich, tomatoey flavor mingles with the gooey, golden cheese topping to create a satisfying, family-friendly classic.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and filling, this baked ziti delivers. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks, yet indulgent enough to bring to potlucks or serve on special occasions. It’s that perfect middle ground between lasagna and pasta bake, with fewer steps but just as much reward.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Ziti

• It’s a one-pan wonder: all the flavors of a traditional Italian dinner without the mess.
• Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
• Customizable with different cheeses, sauces, or added veggies.
• Freezes beautifully and reheats like a dream.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get the best results from your Cheesy Baked Ziti, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. You’ll need a large pot to boil the pasta, a deep skillet or saucepan for the meat sauce, and a 9×13-inch baking dish for layering and baking everything to perfection. A good quality colander helps drain the pasta efficiently, and a silicone spatula or wooden spoon is ideal for mixing without scratching your cookware. Don’t forget a cheese grater if you’re using fresh mozzarella or Parmesan!

Preparation Tips

Cook the pasta just until al dente; it will continue to soften in the oven, so slightly undercooking it keeps the texture perfect. When preparing the meat sauce, allow it to simmer for at least 10 minutes to deepen the flavor. Layering matters: start with sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking, then alternate between pasta, sauce, and cheese for even distribution. For maximum cheesiness, use both shredded mozzarella for stretch and grated Parmesan for depth. Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes after coming out of the oven so the layers can settle and serving is easier.

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Ingredients for this Cheesy Baked Ziti

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (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
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional but adds creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 1-2 minutes less than full cooking time). Drain and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Once the meat is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with most of the meat sauce (reserve about 1 cup of sauce for layering). If using ricotta, mix it into the pasta mixture for a creamy texture.

Step 6: Layer the Ziti

Spread a thin layer of the reserved meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the ziti mixture, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining ziti and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent cheese from over-browning) and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil if desired. Serve warm, paired with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

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Notes

Cheesy Baked Ziti is incredibly forgiving and customizable. You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for the meat, or swap ricotta for cottage cheese depending on your preference. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Using freshly shredded cheese (instead of pre-shredded) will give you the best melt and flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: Remember, the pasta will cook further in the oven. Boil until just al dente to avoid mushiness.
• Not draining meat fat: Excess grease can make the sauce too oily. Always drain the fat after browning the meat.
• Skipping sauce layering: Starting with sauce at the bottom of the dish prevents the pasta from sticking and drying out.
• Using too little seasoning: Taste your sauce before layering. Under-seasoned sauce can make the whole dish bland.
• Using watery ricotta: If your ricotta is very wet, strain it through cheesecloth to avoid a soupy bake.

Storage Instructions

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions. For freezing, wrap tightly in plastic and foil; it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: These values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.

• Serving Size: 1 generous slice (1/8 of dish)
• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 720mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?

Make sure there’s enough sauce layered throughout and cover with foil during the first part of baking to trap moisture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely. Assemble and freeze unbaked or freeze leftovers after baking. Always use a freezer-safe dish and label with the date.

What’s the best pasta for baked ziti?

Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni work just as well. Choose tubular shapes that hold sauce and cheese well.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Yes, jarred marinara can save time. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasoning. Homemade sauce gives more control over flavor.

Is it okay to skip ricotta cheese?

Yes. Ricotta is optional. You can use cottage cheese or simply go with a meat-sauce-and-mozzarella version.

How do I reheat without drying it out?

Cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot. For microwave, add a splash of water and cover loosely.

What side dishes pair well with baked ziti?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or even sautéed greens like spinach or kale complement the richness nicely.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Ziti is a beloved comfort dish that never disappoints. It’s a simple yet satisfying blend of pasta, hearty meat sauce, and gooey cheese that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping meals ahead, or just indulging in a cozy dinner, this classic casserole earns its place in your recipe rotation. With just a bit of prep, it delivers major flavor and heartwarming satisfaction every time.

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