Cheesy Baked Ziti

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Golden, bubbling, and packed with comforting flavors—Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleasing pasta dish that brings everyone to the table. With its layers of ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, every bite delivers that perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and hearty goodness. It’s a weeknight dinner hero and a favorite for potlucks, parties, or cozy Sunday meals.

What makes this dish so beloved is its simplicity paired with indulgence. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something that feels so warm and satisfying. The magic lies in the combination of robust marinara, tender pasta, and generous amounts of cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a dish that feels like home—every time.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Classic Italian-American comfort food that never goes out of style.
• Perfect for feeding a family or a hungry group.
• Make-ahead friendly and great for leftovers.
• Customizable with your favorite meats, veggies, or extra spice.
• That cheesy top layer is hard to resist!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make a delicious Cheesy Baked Ziti, gather these essential tools:

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta evenly.
• Large Skillet or Saucepan: Needed to cook the meat and sauce components thoroughly.
• Mixing Bowl: Helps combine pasta, sauce, and cheese evenly.
• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): The heart of the recipe, this dish ensures even baking and golden cheese browning.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without damaging cookware.
• Colander: For draining pasta without losing any precious noodles.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the ziti during baking to avoid over-browning before it heats through.
  Each of these tools ensures smooth preparation and a satisfying final result, from boiling to broiling.

Preparation Tips

Cook your pasta just shy of al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven and absorb some of the sauce for extra flavor. Always mix a portion of the cheese into the pasta mixture before baking—it helps bind everything together and makes it extra creamy inside. Let the dish rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking so it sets and slices more neatly. If you’re using homemade sauce, simmer it a bit longer to deepen the flavors, and don’t forget to season everything as you go for maximum taste.

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Ingredients for this Cheesy Baked Ziti

• 1 pound dry ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just shy of al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low for 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Mix Ricotta and Egg

In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg and half of the grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth. This will help create a creamy, rich filling layer in the baked ziti.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with about 2 cups of the meat sauce and half of the ricotta mixture. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and gently fold to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half the pasta mixture, followed by dollops of the remaining ricotta mixture. Spoon more meat sauce over the top, then add the rest of the pasta. Finish with remaining meat sauce, the rest of the mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 7: Bake the Ziti

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes for a more golden top.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.

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Notes

Cheesy Baked Ziti is incredibly forgiving, which is part of its charm. You can substitute the ground meat with plant-based options or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. If you’re short on time, store-bought marinara sauce works great, though homemade will always add a deeper, more personal touch. Don’t be afraid to add extra cheese—this is one dish where more is more. You can also toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie boost.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: It’s important to undercook slightly before baking, or it may turn mushy.
• Not seasoning in layers: Season the meat, the sauce, and even the ricotta mixture to ensure flavor in every bite.
• Using too much sauce: While it should be saucy, too much can overwhelm the dish and cause it to fall apart.
• Skipping the rest time: Letting the ziti rest before serving helps everything set and avoids a messy scoop.
• Burning the cheese top: Always cover with foil for most of the baking, and only remove it at the end.

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Storage Instructions

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a bit of extra cheese on top if desired to revive that fresh-baked feel.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

Lasagna uses flat noodles and is layered more formally, while baked ziti is a simpler, mixed-pasta casserole.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge.

Can I use other pasta types?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni work well—just avoid delicate or thin varieties.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Skip the meat or use plant-based crumbles. Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for texture and flavor.

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes. Freeze before or after baking. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn and use within 2 months.

What cheeses work best?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, but you can also mix in provolone or fontina for a creamier taste.

Why do I need to add egg to the ricotta mixture?

It helps bind the cheese mixture so it stays creamy and doesn’t ooze out when slicing.

What should I serve with baked ziti?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or even sautéed greens pair perfectly.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Ziti is a timeless classic that blends comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals ahead, this pasta bake delivers rich taste and satisfying portions every time. With easy-to-follow steps and room for personal tweaks, it’s no wonder this dish earns a spot in the regular rotation. One bite in, and you’ll see why it’s a guaranteed favorite.

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