Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a quick, homemade, and family-friendly recipe loaded with rich meat sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta. Try this satisfying oven-baked dish from www.bbrecipes.com today!

Introduction

There’s something magical about a bubbling casserole dish coming out of the oven and if it’s packed with melty cheese and a rich, meaty sauce, even better. That’s where Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti comes in. It’s one of those go-to comfort food recipes that never disappoints. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping a weeknight dinner, or just want a soul-warming meal, this dish checks every box.

What makes this Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti so irresistible? It’s the balance of textures and flavors: tender pasta, a robust tomato meat sauce, and three types of cheese creating a golden, bubbling crust. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make even if you’ve never baked a pasta dish before. Best of all, it’s a flexible recipe that can be customized based on what you have in the fridge.

Let’s dive into how to make the best homemade baked ziti with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a hearty batch of Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti. These ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are simple enough even for a beginner home cook.

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne, as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (for that savory meat flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce or your favorite homemade tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup tomato paste (to thicken the sauce)
• 1/4 cup water (as needed, to loosen the sauce)
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

This meat recipe features protein-rich ingredients like ground beef and cheese, making it filling and satisfying.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Serves 6–8)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 54g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 980mg

This recipe is a well-balanced meal with a solid amount of protein, making it perfect for dinner or meal prep.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just al dente (about 8 minutes), then drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes.

Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, and water. Let it simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half the Parmesan and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also mix in a handful of chopped parsley or basil for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Ziti

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add a layer of sauce, followed by half the cooked pasta. Spread half the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Repeat the layers: sauce, remaining pasta, the rest of the ricotta mix, more sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a complete meal on its own, but here are some side dishes to round out your dinner:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables (like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers)
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Perfect for casual family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.

Pro Tips

Make your Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti turn out perfect every time with these expert cooking tips:

• Undercook the pasta slightly: It finishes cooking in the oven and absorbs flavor from the sauce.
• Let it rest before cutting: This helps the layers set and prevents it from falling apart when served.
• Double the batch and freeze one for later. It’s freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a more melty, luxurious texture.
• Grate your own cheese for better flavor and fewer additives.

Variations

There are many ways to adapt this classic meat recipe for different dietary needs and flavor preferences:

Vegetarian Version

Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead. Use vegetarian marinara sauce.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your sauce and cheese labels.

Spicy Ziti

Add chopped jalapeños to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Meat Lovers’ Ziti

Combine ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni for a hearty, protein-packed twist.

Lighter Ziti

Swap ricotta for cottage cheese and use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.

These variations ensure there’s a version of this dish for every taste and preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the ziti, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I freeze baked ziti?
A: Absolutely. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: What pasta can I substitute for ziti?
A: Penne or rigatoni work great. The important thing is using a tubular pasta that holds the sauce.

Q: Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes—cottage cheese or a mix of ricotta and cream cheese work well as substitutes.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti is everything you want in a comfort food recipe simple, satisfying, and bursting with cheesy, savory flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves you looking forward to leftovers. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a staple in your home kitchen.

Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments. Want more delicious and approachable recipes like this one? Head over to www.bbrecipes.com for a world of easy, family-friendly meals made with love.

Save this recipe, share it with your friends, and come back soon for more homemade comfort food that never fails to impress.