Name: Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti – Hearty & Delicious
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti or penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If there’s one dish that always hits the spot, it’s baked ziti. This version is extra creamy, extra cheesy, and packed with hearty flavors that make it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this baked ziti is always a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super creamy and cheesy. Every bite is loaded with gooey, melty cheese.
Easy to make. No complicated steps, just layer and bake!
Perfect for leftovers. It tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound ziti pasta
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream or ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh basil for garnish

Find the full list of ingredients below.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a bowl, mix the ricotta (or heavy cream) with half of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta, followed by the meat sauce, the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use fresh mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
Don’t overcook the pasta. It will continue to cook in the oven.
Make it ahead. Assemble it in advance and bake when ready.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Try Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this baked ziti with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. A side of roasted veggies or a bowl of tomato soup makes a great pairing, too.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions. To freeze, assemble the ziti but don’t bake—cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

4 FAQs

Can I make this without meat?
Yes! Just skip the beef and add extra veggies or more cheese.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work great, too.
Do I have to use ricotta?
No, you can use cottage cheese or even a little cream cheese for extra richness.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Assemble it ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is comfort food at its best—simple, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal for guests, it’s always a hit. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!

Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti – Hearty & Delicious

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Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty Italian-American dish that combines tender pasta with a rich meat sauce and layers of creamy, melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, grated Parmesan, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and chopped parsley (if using). Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Baked Ziti:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Evenly dollop the cheese mixture over the pasta layer.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it out to cover the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
Serve:
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Variations: For added flavor, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. If baking from cold, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Freezing: To freeze, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.