Cheesy Baked Ziti

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Rich, saucy, and blanketed in gooey melted cheese, this Cheesy Baked Ziti is comfort food at its finest. Perfectly cooked rigatoni (or ziti!) is tossed with a hearty meat sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, and topped generously with mozzarella. It’s everything you love about lasagna, but in a simplified, casserole-style format that makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

This dish feeds a hungry crowd, freezes beautifully, and can easily be doubled for meal prep or potlucks. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a nostalgic, cheesy pasta bake, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Comforting & Hearty: Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese create a crave-worthy texture.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves 6 to 8 people generously.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Assemble the night before and bake fresh!
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for storing leftovers or prepping in batches.
• Customizable: Swap ground beef for turkey or make it vegetarian.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While traditional baked ziti uses ziti noodles, rigatoni or penne are excellent substitutes. Choose a tube-shaped pasta with ridges so the sauce clings well to every bite. Avoid delicate pasta shapes that may fall apart during baking.

Ingredients

• Ziti or Rigatoni Pasta: Provides the hearty base and holds onto sauce well.
• Ground Beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein to the sauce.
• Yellow Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Boosts aroma and enhances the overall savory taste.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the bulk of the sauce, thick and flavorful.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a subtle kick.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy layer that balances the acidity of the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides that signature cheesy top.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite to the dish.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for color and freshness.

How To Make the Cheesy Baked Ziti

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook 12 oz of ziti or rigatoni in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than the package recommends). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer for 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Layer the Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the meat sauce, and dollop 3/4 cup ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, another 3/4 cup ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve This Cheesy Baked Ziti

This baked ziti is filling enough to be a main course on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread. It serves 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

How to Store This Cheesy Baked Ziti

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions. For freezing, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What can I use instead of ricotta?
You can substitute cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce for a slightly different texture.

Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, it freezes very well. Wrap tightly after baking or before baking and store for up to 2 months.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.

What if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?
You can use a good-quality marinara or pasta sauce in place of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this cheesy baked ziti, don’t miss these pasta bakes and saucy favorites:

• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for a creamy twist.
• Runza Casserole if you love savory beef bakes.
• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake with deep, earthy flavors.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for something indulgent.
• Old-Fashioned Goulash when you want cozy comfort.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or swap the meat? Try a spicy kick?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, together.

More cozy dinners and weeknight comfort meals can also be found on my Life With Livia Pinterest board.

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