Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, a rich and savory tomato-meat sauce, layers of creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make dinner is perfect for feeding a family or serving at a casual gathering, offering all the flavors of lasagna without the fuss.

ingredients

Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe – Easy Dinner Delight

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ziti pastaground beef or Italian sausageolive oiloniongarlicclovecrushed tomatoes or marinara saucetomato pasteItalian seasoningdried basilricotta cheeseeggmozzarella cheese (shredded)Parmesan cheese (grated)saltpepperfresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.

Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, a bit of salt, pepper, and some grated Parmesan cheese.

To assemble, layer half the cooked ziti in the baking dish, followed by half the meat sauce, half the ricotta mixture, and a layer of mozzarella.

Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, and top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 30-35 minutesTotal time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Use a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage for deeper flavor.

Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the ricotta layer for extra veggies.

Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred.

Use penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.For freezing, assemble the ziti but don’t bake—cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it a day in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Absolutely. A good-quality marinara or pasta sauce works great.

Is it necessary to use ricotta?

Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can use cottage cheese or skip it for a lighter version.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meat and load up on vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Can I add more cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to layer in provolone, fontina, or even cream cheese for richness.

Do I have to cover it with foil?

Covering it helps retain moisture and prevent over-browning; remove foil to finish with a bubbly top.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the cheesy, mild flavor is usually a hit with kids.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Of course, just be sure to follow package directions and avoid overcooking.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Pair with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a full meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make and bursting with comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or prepping a make-ahead meal, this recipe delivers cozy, cheesy satisfaction in every bite. Add it to your dinner rotation and enjoy the rave reviews.