Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

If there’s one comfort food that makes every dinner feel like a celebration, it’s Baked Ziti. Hearty pasta, rich ragu, clouds of ricotta, and a gloriously gooey, golden top—this is the kind of dish that guarantees smiles all around the table, any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No fancy supplies required—just a few classic Italian ingredients come together for this unforgettable Baked Ziti. Each one brings unique flavor and texture, so don’t skip on the details!

• Ziti Pasta: The namesake tube-shaped pasta soaks up all the rich sauce—use the classic or swap with penne if needed.
• Olive Oil: Adds depth to the beef and keeps the ziti from sticking. Good olive oil brings extra flavor.
• Lean Ground Beef: 90/10 gives great flavor without excess grease, lending heartiness to the ragu.
• Yellow Onion & Garlic: A classic aromatic duo that forms the savory foundation for your sauce.
• Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes: Hand-crushed for a rustic, thick texture and bright tomato taste.
• Marinara Sauce: Speeds things up and deepens the tomato base—pick your favorite jar!
• Whole-Milk Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, decadent, and the heart of every dreamy bite.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Blends with the ricotta for a silky-smooth, luscious texture.
• Kosher Salt & Crushed Red Pepper: Essential for seasoning, with just the right touch of heat.
• Mozzarella (pre-shredded): Melts beautifully throughout, creating that classic cheese pull.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese: The bold nutty flavor and golden topping takes ziti from good to irresistible.
• Fresh Parsley: For a pretty pop of color and fresh, herby finish once baked.

Variations

The beauty of Baked Ziti is how customizable it is—anyone can make it their own! Use this recipe as your foundation and don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite flavors or adapt it for different needs.

• Make It Vegetarian: Simply leave out the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a satisfying meatless bake.
• Extra Cheesy: Add provolone, fontina, or even a swirl of creamy burrata for a gooey, decadent topping.
• Spicier Kick: Mix diced hot Italian sausage with the beef or add more crushed red pepper for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute your favorite gluten-free ziti or penne and enjoy all the cheesy comforts worry-free.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F and bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the ziti until just al dente—usually about 10 minutes—so it stays perfectly tender after baking. Drain well and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to keep those lovely tubes from sticking together.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta’s cooking, heat the rest of the olive oil in a sturdy Dutch oven over medium-high. Add the ground beef in medium clumps, let it brown beautifully on two sides (don’t rush this step!), then use a wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces as it finishes cooking. This gives each bite hearty, browned flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Onion & Garlic

Once the beef is no longer pink, dial the heat down to medium and add your finely chopped onion and garlic. Stir frequently—about three minutes—until everything softens and gets fragrant. Your kitchen will smell like a dream!

Step 4: Make the Ragu

Stir in the hand-crushed plum tomatoes and marinara sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and let the sauce thicken slightly—about 10 to 12 minutes. This ragu is the soul of your Baked Ziti, so let the flavors marry and deepen.

Step 5: Add Cheeses, Cream & Seasoning

Take the pot off the heat and scoop out 3 cups of ragu for layering later. To the sauce left in the pot, stir in the ricotta, heavy cream, salt, crushed red pepper, 2 cups of mozzarella, and ½ cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano. The mixture should look and smell downright irresistible—this is where the “creamy” part really shines!

Step 6: Combine Pasta & Ragu

Add your cooked ziti to the cheesy ragu and stir until every noodle is coated in sauce. It should be thick, creamy, and ready for some serious layering.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Spread a cup of the reserved ragu into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Add half of your ziti mixture, then spoon another cup of ragu over it. Follow up with the rest of the ziti, another layer of sauce, and a flourish of the remaining mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano. You want every inch covered for that signature bubbly crust.

Step 8: Bake & Garnish

Bake, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to brown in spots. Let the casserole cool for five minutes, sprinkle with plenty of fresh parsley, and prepare yourself for pasta bliss.

How to Serve Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is the essential finishing touch—its vibrant green color wakes up the whole dish. If you’re feeling extra, try grating on a little more Parmigiano-Reggiano or a few leaves of fresh basil before serving.

Side Dishes

Baked Ziti plays beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in your favorite vinaigrette. And nothing beats thick slices of warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of saucy, cheesy goodness. Roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans also make wonderful sides to balance your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Baked Ziti straight from the bubbling casserole for pure comfort, or amp things up by scooping it into mini ramekins for individual portions. For parties, slice into neat squares and serve with toothpicks as irresistible pasta bites. You can even assemble the dish in advance and bake just before guests arrive for a low-stress, high-reward presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Baked Ziti will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container—those flavors will continue to deepen and meld, making each leftover serving extra cozy.

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep. Assemble the ziti completely but don’t bake it—cover it well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze leftover portions after baking for easy future dinners.

Reheating

To reheat baked or thawed ziti, cover and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly and heated through (about 20-30 minutes). For a quick fix, individual portions can be microwaved—just add a splash of marinara to keep things moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This classic Baked Ziti recipe is pure, cozy comfort—share it with loved ones or whip it up for yourself on a chilly night. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite at your table!

Print