Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is an absolute must-try. I love this recipe because it’s so simple, packed with gooey cheese, and brings everyone around the table smiling for more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite, you’ll find that this baked ziti hits all the right notes — rich, hearty, and utterly satisfying. Stick around and I’ll walk you through all the steps and tips to make this irresistible dish a regular in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like a dream, delivering layers of flavor and cheesy goodness. When shopping, look for quality marinara sauce and fresh cheeses for the best results that will make this baked ziti pop with flavor.

• Ziti Pasta: Slightly undercooked so it finishes perfectly in the oven without getting mushy.
• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Using a mix gives a nice kick; remove casings if using sausage for even browning.
• Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the sauce and give sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic for that aromatic base that starts every great sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Two jars for plenty of saucy richness; homemade or store-bought both work.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: Classic Italian herbs that elevate the flavor and add depth.
• Ricotta Cheese: Mixed with egg to hold the layers together with creamy softness.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it’s not runny after baking.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for melty stretchy goodness throughout and on top.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty sharpness and crispy crust when baked.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): For a fresh garnish that brightens up the dish at the end.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with different meats and cheeses, and it’s always great to make this your own — so don’t be afraid to experiment.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies; I tried kale once and it was surprisingly delicious.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat—I always sprinkle in some for myself.
• Different Cheeses: Try provolone or fontina for a twist, or swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and confirm your marinara sauce is GF, and you’ll enjoy the same comfort without worry.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pasta Ready

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key so the dish bakes evenly later. While the oven warms up, cook your ziti pasta just shy of al dente — about a minute under the package’s suggested time works best since the pasta will keep cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside; tossing it with a little olive oil helps prevent sticking if there’s a wait.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Build the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage (I love mixing the two for flavor depth). If using sausage, remember to remove the casings. Once the meat is mostly cooked, add your chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent and the kitchen smells amazing. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then pour in the marinara sauce. Let this simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors really meld together.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Cheese

In a bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese with a beaten egg. I discovered this trick because plain ricotta can be a bit loose, and the egg helps hold the layers together nicely during baking. It makes scooping portions so much easier and the texture creamier.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Now for the fun part — layering! Spread half of your cooked ziti in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Dollop and spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then pour over half the meat sauce. Sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat the process with the rest of the pasta, ricotta, and sauce, and finish with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. This creates that dreamy cheesy crust everyone loves.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and gorgeous golden brown around the edges. This two-step baking keeps the ziti from drying out while giving you that perfect melty top.

Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, give your baked ziti about 5 to 10 minutes to settle. This helps it slice and serve more cleanly — trust me, no one likes a sloppy scoop. If you like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add that pop of green and fresh flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

I adore topping this baked ziti with freshly chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley. It adds a fresh, herbal contrast that balances all the rich cheese and sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top, too, for that little extra punch just before serving.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this are simple: garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce and a crisp Caesar or mixed green salad to lighten things up. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus also pair beautifully and add some color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special family dinner, I’ve served individual portions in ramekins, topped with a little extra cheese and broiled for a few minutes to get a bubbly crisp crust. It always feels so fancy but is just as comforting. Layering the ziti in a pretty ceramic casserole dish also makes it feel extra special on the dining table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I like to transfer leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The ziti keeps well for up to 3-4 days and reheats nicely without losing its creamy texture if you follow my reheating method below.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked ziti both before and after baking. If freezing before, assemble it in a foil pan, cover tightly, and bake straight from frozen — just add extra baking time. Leftovers freeze well in portions too. Just wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the portion with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, usually about 20 minutes. This helps the cheese stay melty without drying. For quicker reheating, a microwave works but I recommend sprinkling a bit of water over the ziti and covering loosely with a microwave-safe lid to keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe really feels like a warm hug in food form — comforting, satisfying, and easy enough to become your new go-to. I love how the cheese stretches with every bite and how the flavors meld after a good bake. If you’re after a recipe that guests rave about and your family asks for on repeat, this one’s it. Give it a go, and trust me, you’ll soon be making it as often as I do!

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