Cheesy Baked Ziti

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Rich, comforting, and bubbling with melted cheese, Cheesy Baked Ziti is the kind of dish that makes any dinner feel like a celebration. With layers of hearty pasta, savory meat sauce, and a generous topping of gooey mozzarella, this meal is both easy to prepare and impossible to resist.

Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or planning for a potluck, this baked ziti delivers bold flavor and comforting nostalgia in every bite. It’s the perfect harmony of Italian-American classic flavors, baked to golden perfection.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Baked Ziti?

Ziti pasta is the traditional pick for this recipe—its smooth, tubular shape holds sauce beautifully and bakes to a perfect tenderness. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni are good substitutes. The key is to use a pasta that won’t get mushy when baked and that has structure to trap all the savory goodness.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta – This pasta shape is ideal for catching sauce and cheese, providing a perfect bite.
• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage – Adds a savory, hearty element that makes this dish feel complete.
• Marinara Sauce – A rich tomato base brings all the flavors together and creates that classic Italian depth.
• Ricotta Cheese – For creaminess and a slight tang that balances the richness of the meat and sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully over the top, creating that iconic cheesy blanket.
• Parmesan Cheese – For a sharp, nutty finish that deepens the flavor.
• Egg – Helps bind the ricotta filling and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
• Fresh Parsley – A bright herb finish for garnish and a bit of freshness.

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How To Make the Cheesy Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet. Once cooked, drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, half of the parmesan, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by half the pasta, dollops of ricotta mixture, more sauce, then half the mozzarella. Repeat the layers and finish with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

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How to Serve and Store Cheesy Baked Ziti

Serve your cheesy baked ziti hot from the oven, sprinkled with fresh parsley and maybe a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and store for up to 2 months—just reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.

What to Serve With Cheesy Baked Ziti?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and parmesan shavings balance the richness.

Roasted Broccoli

A healthy, slightly bitter contrast to the creamy, cheesy ziti.

Italian Sausage Links

Serve on the side for an extra boost of protein and flavor.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella bring a bright, fresh note.

Antipasto Platter

Great for appetizers or side dish with olives, cured meats, and marinated veggies.

Creamy Tomato Soup

A cozy pairing that complements the tomato flavors in the ziti.

Red Wine

Try a Chianti or Zinfandel to elevate your dinner.

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Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If this cheesy baked ziti is your style, you’ll love these other baked favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a stovetop twist on cheesy comfort.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells if you’re craving a veggie-packed variation.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a one-pot dinner solution.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a rich, indulgent alternative.
• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken when you want your pasta paired with crispy chicken.

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I’d love to hear how your cheesy baked ziti turned out! Did you go spicy with the sauce? Add extra cheese? Let me know in the comments how you made it yours.

Explore more delicious pasta bakes and cheesy comfort food on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes Pinterest and get inspired for your next meal.

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