Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Introduction

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dinner, look no further than this Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti recipe. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and three kinds of gooey cheese, this dish is the definition of comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping ahead of time, baked ziti is simple to make yet always impressive.

Whether you choose the classic oven-baked method or prepare it in your slow cooker, this recipe guarantees a golden, bubbly, and delicious result.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe

• Simple & Beginner-Friendly – Straightforward steps with minimal prep.

• Comfort Food Classic – Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese baked to perfection.

• Versatile – Customize with veggies, sausage, or extra cheese.

• Meal Prep & Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for make-ahead dinners.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti

• 1 lb ziti or penne pasta

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 (24 oz) jars marinara or pasta sauce

• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes (optional, for a richer sauce)

• 1 cup water

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 15 oz ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease.

4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and water.

6. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.

7. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.

2. Cook pasta 1–2 minutes less than package directions (al dente).

3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan.

2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.

4. Add the remaining pasta and sauce.

5. Spread the rest of the ricotta mixture on top.

6. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

2. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

3. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade baked ziti with ricotta and mozzarella!

Expert Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti – Skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

• Extra Creamy – Stir cream cheese or sour cream into the ricotta mixture.

• Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.

• Slow Cooker Method – Layer ingredients in your crockpot instead of a baking dish and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.

• Freezer-Friendly – Assemble unbaked ziti, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with 10–15 extra minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your baked ziti casserole with:

• Garlic bread

• A fresh garden salad

• Roasted vegetables

• A glass of red wine for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner

Conclusion

This easy cheesy baked ziti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with bold, comforting flavors. With its gooey cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether baked in the oven or prepared in a slow cooker, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

 Try this tonight and bring restaurant-style Italian comfort food straight to your table!

enjoy!