Cheesy Baked Ziti

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Bubbling over with melty mozzarella, layers of tender pasta, tangy marinara, and creamy ricotta, Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food. It brings all the goodness of lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd, it hits the sweet spot between indulgent and easy.

This baked pasta classic is hearty, simple to make, and always satisfying. Whether you serve it up as a weeknight dinner or bring it to a family gathering, it gets rave reviews. With just the right balance of sauce, cheese, and noodles, every forkful is deliciously cozy.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Ziti

This dish is a no-brainer when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients, feeds a crowd, and can be made ahead. Plus, you can tweak it however you like—go vegetarian, add sausage, or sneak in extra veggies. The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Baked Ziti?

Ziti pasta is ideal because it holds sauce inside its tube-shaped form and bakes evenly. But if you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni will work too. Just avoid very small pasta shapes—you want something sturdy enough to hold up under all that cheese and sauce.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Baked Ziti

To get that rich, layered flavor in every bite, these ingredients work together to create a gooey, hearty pasta bake you’ll crave again and again.

• Ziti pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Ground beef
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil (optional)

Each component has a role. Ziti pasta gives you that perfect bite. Marinara sauce brings tangy tomato flavor, while ricotta cheese adds creaminess. Mozzarella is the melt factor, Parmesan gives sharpness, and ground beef makes it extra filling. Garlic, olive oil, and herbs enhance it all.

How To Make the Cheesy Baked Ziti

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a bit of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add a handful of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

In a large baking dish, add a layer of marinara sauce, followed by pasta, meat, ricotta mixture, more sauce, and cheese. Repeat layers until the dish is full.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbling.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Baked Ziti

This cheesy baked ziti serves 6 to 8 people generously, making it ideal for family meals or small gatherings. It’s best served hot from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and reheat covered in the oven.

What to Serve With Cheesy Baked Ziti?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, garlic bread is the classic sidekick for pasta bakes.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine with creamy dressing gives a refreshing contrast to the richness of baked ziti.

Roasted Vegetables

Try zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli tossed in olive oil and roasted until golden.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bring a light, bright element to the meal.

Antipasto Platter

A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and salami can elevate your dinner into a mini Italian feast.

Sautéed Spinach

Lightly cooked with garlic and a squeeze of lemon, spinach adds a healthy green touch.

Red Wine

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with the bold, cheesy flavors.

Italian Soda or Sparkling Water

For a non-alcoholic option, a bubbly drink helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Baked Ziti, check out these delicious pasta recipes:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe with velvety sauce and hearty shells.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a Philly-inspired twist.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need pasta fast.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for ultimate creaminess.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for another baked comfort dish.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with beef or try sausage? Maybe added extra cheese?

I love seeing how others make these classics their own. Feel free to ask questions, too. Let’s keep the dinnertime magic going.

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