This Cheesy Baked Ziti is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that turns an ordinary night into something special. Tender pasta, rich tomato-meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a golden blanket of melted cheese come together in one bubbling, hearty dish. It’s cozy, classic, and perfect for feeding a hungry family — or making ahead for easy weeknight meals.
If you love lasagna but want something simpler, faster, and just as delicious, this baked ziti will quickly become a go-to recipe.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 8–10 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
Values vary depending on cheese and meat amounts.
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
Ingredients
For the Ziti
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling)
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Layers
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional but delicious)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg (optional — makes ricotta smoother)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Aluminum baking pans or 9×13 dish
- Wooden spoon
- Foil
How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add ziti and cook until 1 minute shy of al dente — it will finish in the oven.
Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
In a skillet, heat olive oil.
Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
Add:
- onion
- garlic
Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in:
- marinara
- tomato sauce
- Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper
Simmer 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Cheese Layer
In a bowl, combine:
- ricotta
- Parmesan
- egg (optional)
Stir until smooth.
Set aside shredded mozzarella & cheddar for topping.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- cooked pasta
- half of the meat sauce
- half of the mozzarella
Mix lightly.
Spread half of this mixture into the baking pan.
Add dollops of the ricotta mixture on top.
Pour remaining meat sauce over it.
Top generously with mozzarella + cheddar.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until:
- cheese is melted
- top is bubbly
- edges are lightly golden
For a deeper golden crust, broil 1–2 minutes.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Meat Options
- Italian sausage
- Turkey sausage
- Ground turkey or chicken
- Meatless crumbles
Cheese Options
- Use provolone for extra melt
- Use all mozzarella for classic results
- Add ricotta + cottage cheese mixture for extra protein
Add-Ons
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Fresh basil
- Zucchini
- Crushed red pepper
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh basil on top
- A sprinkle of extra Parmesan
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Potlucks
- Freezer meal prep
- Weeknight comfort food
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook the pasta — it softens in the oven.
- Mix pasta with some sauce before layering to prevent dryness.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes for beautifully browned cheese.
- Let cool 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Use foil pans if prepping freezer meals (just like the image).
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store for 3–4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze unbaked or fully baked ziti for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45–50 minutes
OR microwave portions until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake.
Q: Can I skip the ricotta?
Yes — use only mozzarella & Parmesan for a cheesier, no-ricotta version.
Q: What pasta shape works best?
Ziti, penne, rigatoni, or any tube-shaped pasta.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Yes — add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is everything you love about classic Italian comfort food — rich, saucy, cheesy, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Easy enough for weeknights and special enough for Sunday dinners, this recipe brings warm, homey flavors to every bite.
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Tried this recipe? Share your photos or tag your baked ziti on Pinterest — I’d love to see your golden, cheesy creations!
