The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe: Comfort Food Perfection!

Looking for the best baked ziti recipe? Look no further! This classic Italian-American favorite is packed with layers of flavor, from savory ground beef to three types of cheeses. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or prepping for a party, this baked ziti delivers on taste and convenience. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy leftovers later. Get ready to wow everyone at the table with this ultimate baked ziti recipe!

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Rest Time 10 mins

Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 375 F

Servings: 8

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This baked ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella for a comforting casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Easy to make and even easier to love, this dish is a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta (uncooked) (340g)
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor) (450g)
1 small onion , finely chopped
3 cloves garlic , minced
1 jar marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) (24 oz/680g)
1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz/425g)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper , to taste
15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese (425g)
1 large egg , lightly beaten
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese , divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
Fresh basil leaves , chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Meat Sauce

3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Drain excess fat if needed.
4
Add the minced garlic, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Make Ricotta Mixture

5
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

6
Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7
Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
8
Repeat the layers: remaining ziti, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and finish with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake & Rest

9
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
10
Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Keywords: Baked Ziti, Comfort Food, Pasta Recipe, Italian Cuisine, Cheesy Dinner, Family Meal, Easy Recipe, Weeknight Dinner