🧀 Cheesy Baked Ziti

Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food casserole—rich, hearty, and loaded with layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and a gooey, golden cheese topping. It’s a classic Italian-American baked pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Every bite delivers tender ziti coated in a flavorful tomato-beef sauce and creamy, melted cheese that pulls beautifully when served hot from the oven.

📝 Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara or tomato sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese (or substitute with extra mozzarella)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the meat sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed.

Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then pour in the marinara sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes so the flavors deepen.

Step 3: Mix the cheese layer

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy. This creates the rich, signature cheesy layer inside the baked ziti.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large baking dish, add half of the cooked ziti. Spread half of the meat sauce over it. Add dollops of the ricotta mixture on top.

Repeat with the remaining pasta and meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve neatly.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
Caesar salad or garden salad
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

💡 Tips for Best Results

Don’t overcook the pasta—slightly firm is best for baking.
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives better flavor.
Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra texture.
Letting it rest after baking keeps the layers from falling apart.
Leftovers store well for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.

⏱️ Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 6–8

This Cheesy Baked Ziti is rich, comforting, and loaded with melty cheese and savory meat sauce—an irresistible baked pasta that always brings everyone back for seconds. 🧀🍝✨