The Creamiest, Cheesiest Baked Ziti Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy baked ziti that promises to satisfy every pasta lover’s deepest cravings.

Layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each forkful brings a perfect blend of robust tomato goodness and creamy cheese that melts seamlessly throughout the dish.

ziti noodles absorb the savory sauce, creating pockets of deliciousness in every bite.

Packed with simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into something extraordinary.

The golden, bubbling cheese topping adds a crisp texture that makes this dish impossible to resist.

Prepare to be transported to an Italian kitchen with this crowd-pleasing classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons to Love Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: This ziti transforms busy evenings into delicious, stress-free meal experiences with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table for all ages.
• Master One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, carbs, and dairy in a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze and reducing kitchen chaos while delivering restaurant-quality results.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ground beef for turkey, adding vegetables, or adjusting cheese types to match family preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredient List for Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: A classic tubular pasta that provides the perfect texture and shape for this hearty baked dish.

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that adds substance to the ziti.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth texture throughout the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic melty and stretchy cheese layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients build a deep and savory base for the meat sauce.
• Tomatoes: Form the foundation of the sauce with a tangy and rich flavor profile.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright and colorful garnish to the finished dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Standard seasonings that balance and enhance the other flavors.
• Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Baking Instructions for Creamy Ziti

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pasta Dance

Boil water and cook ziti until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite.

Drain the pasta and let it hang out while you prep other ingredients.

Step 3: Sizzle the Meat Melody

Grab a skillet and brown ground beef with diced onions.

Toss in minced garlic and let it release its aromatic magic.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and sprinkle your favorite Italian seasonings.

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Fusion

• Cooked ziti
• Savory meat sauce
• Creamy ricotta cheese

Gently fold everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Build Delicious Layers

• Half of the pasta mixture
• Sprinkle of mozzarella
• Generous handful of Parmesan

Repeat the layers for maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Let the ziti rest for a few minutes.

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Gooey, Cheesy Ziti Layers

• Choose ziti or penne pasta with ridges to help sauce cling better and create more flavor in every bite.
• Mix different cheese types like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich, creamy texture and complex taste profile.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian versions without losing flavor intensity.
• Simmer meat sauce longer to develop deeper flavors, allowing tomatoes and seasonings to meld together perfectly.
• Assemble the entire dish earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Baked Ziti Variations for Pasta Fans

• Vegetarian Ziti: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version. Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ziti pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check tomato sauce labels carefully for hidden gluten ingredients.
• Spicy Southwest Ziti: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasonings for chili powder and cumin. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat and southwestern flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute ziti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use lean ground turkey and reduce overall cheese quantity to make it lighter and more diet-friendly.

Serving Ideas for Baked Ziti Night

Family Feast Night: Serve this ziti as the star of a cozy family dinner, paired with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Italian Restaurant Experience: Plate the ziti in individual pasta bowls, sprinkle extra fresh parsley, and add a drizzle of good olive oil to elevate the dish to restaurant-quality presentation.

Potluck Perfect Dish: Transport this baked ziti in a covered casserole dish to gatherings, keeping it warm with a towel wrapped around the container – guaranteed to be the most popular item at any community meal.

Leftover Magic: Store remaining ziti in airtight containers for quick lunches, reheating portions in the microwave or oven and adding a splash of extra marinara sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.

Storing Cheesy Baked Ziti the Right Way

• Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the dish completely before transferring to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What type of ground meat works best in this recipe?

Ground beef is traditional, but you can easily substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.

• Can I make this ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.

• Is this recipe good for feeding a crowd?

Absolutely! This 9×13-inch baked ziti serves 6-8 people and is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep.

• How can I make this dish lower in calories?

Use lean ground beef, part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value without compromising taste.

Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti, where layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese create a hearty Italian-inspired masterpiece. Pasta lovers will savor each forkful of this irresistible dish that promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ziti pasta
• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or Italian sausage)

Cheese:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables, Sauce, and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces or 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink, releasing rich flavors.
4. Add minced garlic to the meat mixture and sauté for 60 seconds, creating an aromatic base.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, blend in Italian seasonings, and allow sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, developing deep, robust flavors.
6. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine cooked ziti, prepared meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese until evenly distributed.
7. Create first layer in baking dish by spreading half the pasta mixture, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Repeat layering process with remaining pasta mixture and cheese, ensuring even coverage.
9. Shield dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, maintaining moisture and even cooking.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for additional 15 minutes until cheese transforms into golden, bubbling perfection.
11. Allow ziti to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Select ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum flavor and juiciness in meat sauce.
• Undercook pasta slightly during initial boiling since it continues cooking in oven, preventing mushy texture.
• Use fresh mozzarella for creamier melting and richer cheese flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for extra depth and personalized spice profile if desired.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg