Description
Get ready to dig into the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Baked Ziti! It’s a rich, hearty, and satisfying pasta casserole layered with perfectly cooked ziti, flavorful meat sauce, and melty cheese. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, searching for easy dinner ideas, or prepping a quick dish for a potluck, this easy recipe checks all the boxes. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and one of those food ideas you’ll come back to again and again for both casual meals and entertaining. Think of it as lasagna’s simpler, quicker cousin – but just as delicious!
Ingredients
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
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
1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add ground beef or sausage to the pan, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with most of the meat sauce. Mix in ricotta cheese if using.
7. Spread a thin layer of reserved sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add half the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Repeat with remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheeses.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta — it continues cooking in the oven, so stop at al dente.
For the best cheesy texture, use freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
To prevent dryness, always start layering with a base of sauce in the baking dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of dish
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg