Cheesy Baked Ziti: A Comfort Food Classic That Feeds a Crowd

Classic Homemade Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

There’s something magical about a perfectly crafted baked ziti that brings families together around the dinner table. This Italian-American comfort food classic combines tender pasta tubes with rich tomato sauce and a trio of melty, creamy cheeses that create irresistible layers of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

This hearty pasta casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with tangy tomato sauce. Even better, this pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights!

The Secret to Perfect Ziti Casserole

What sets this baked ziti recipe apart is the layering technique that ensures every bite contains the perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese. The ricotta mixture adds creaminess, while the mozzarella creates that Instagram-worthy cheese pull we all crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Ziti

• 1 pound (16 ounces) ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Baked Ziti

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the meat sauce. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Season the meat mixture. Stir in marinara sauce, half of the Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
5. Make the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, eggs, remaining Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until combined.
6. Layer the casserole. Spread 1/3 of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half the cooked ziti, then spread with half of the ricotta mixture. Add another 1/3 of the meat sauce, then the remaining pasta, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture and finally the last of the meat sauce.
7. Add the cheese topping. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan evenly over the top.
8. Bake to perfection. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
9. Rest before serving. Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Remember it will continue to cook in the oven!
• For extra flavor, use half ground beef and half Italian sausage in the meat sauce.
• Shred your own mozzarella – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
• Make ahead option: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking from cold.
• Freezer-friendly: This baked ziti can be frozen before or after baking for up to 3 months.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Spicy Baked Ziti: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
• Spinach and Artichoke Baked Ziti: Mix chopped spinach and artichoke hearts into the ricotta mixture.

What to Serve with Baked Ziti

Complete your Italian feast with these perfect pairings:

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• Simple green salad with Italian dressing
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• A glass of Chianti or other medium-bodied red wine

Nutrition Information

Storing and Reheating Leftover Baked Ziti

This dish gets even better the next day! Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Why Baked Ziti Is a Family Favorite

There’s a reason why baked ziti has stood the test of time as a cherished family recipe. This Italian-American casserole combines the best elements of pasta night – hearty sauce, tender pasta, and generous cheese – in one convenient dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for satisfying comfort food, this classic baked ziti recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes