The Ultimate Comfort Food: Hearty Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Pasta nights reach new heights with this irresistible cheesy baked ziti that promises comfort in every single bite.

The classic Italian-American dish brings warmth and satisfying flavor to your dinner table.

Layers of perfectly cooked ziti noodles mingle with rich marinara sauce and creamy melted cheese.

Each forkful delivers a delectable combination of textures and robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Sharp mozzarella and tangy parmesan create a golden, bubbly crust that makes this dish truly special.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you master this delicious crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 750 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients That Make Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Shine

• Ziti: Classic pasta shape perfect for catching sauce, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing pasta's flavor during boiling, use kosher or sea salt for richer taste.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Protein-packed foundation providing rich, hearty flavor, opt for lean cuts to minimize excess grease.
• Olive Oil: Supports smooth sautéing and adds subtle fruity undertone, choose extra virgin for superior quality.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base creating depth of flavor, select firm, fresh produce without soft spots.
• Marinara Sauce: Vibrant tomato base adding classic Italian character, select low-sodium version for better control.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend introducing authentic Mediterranean warmth, ensure blend is fresh and fragrant.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle sharpness, freshly ground offers superior flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy component creating luxurious texture, select whole milk version for richness.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth consistency, full-fat variety recommended.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure, use fresh, room-temperature eggs.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated flavor enhancer, ensure it's free from clumps.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty element adding sophisticated taste, freshly grated preferred.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully creating irresistible golden crust, choose low-moisture variety.
• Fresh Bas.

Gear You’ll Use for Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Night

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling ziti pasta with plenty of salted water.
• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, garlic, and browning meat.
• Colander: Crucial for draining pasta after cooking.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for layering and baking ziti.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for preparing ricotta mixture.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring sauce and meat.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Foil: Used to cover dish while baking.

The Process of Making Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Boil the Noodles

Get a big pot of water bubbling with salt. Drop in ziti and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.

• Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Warm olive oil in a skillet. Toss in diced onions and let them soften. Add minced garlic for a quick sizzle. Introduce ground meat and break it into crumbly pieces until browned. Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle with Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer and mingle flavors.

• Whip Up Creamy Cheese Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, a splash of sour cream, one egg, and a dash of garlic powder. Stir until smooth and inviting.

• Build Your Delicious Layers

Heat the oven to 375°F. Spread a thin sauce layer in a baking dish. Stack pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce like a delicious tower. Repeat the layers for maximum yumminess.

• Top and Bake to Perfection

Blanket the top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

• Serve and Savor

Let the dish rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired. Dig in and enjoy your homemade comfort meal!

Flavor Swaps for Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Always add plenty of salt to pasta water to enhance flavor deeply and ensure perfectly seasoned noodles from the inside out.
• Prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld beautifully before baking.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, fontina, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Substitute ziti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb friendly option that still delivers maximum flavor and comfort.

Serving Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Like a Pro

• Family-Style Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this ziti as a centerpiece for a hearty family dinner. Pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal everyone will adore.
• Fresh Herb Garnish Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving to add a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, cheesy ziti with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. These wines beautifully balance the robust meat sauce and creamy cheese layers.
• Leftover Lunch Remix: Transform extra ziti into a next-day lunch by reheating individual portions and adding a side of roasted vegetables or a quick mixed green salad for a satisfying meal.

Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Leftover Guide

• Let ziti cool completely at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Transfer leftovers into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated ziti stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and creamy consistency.
• Pack individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Frozen ziti maintains quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Restore original texture by covering dish with foil and warming in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying. Microwave works for quick single servings, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.

Hearty Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comforting Cheesy Baked Ziti brings Italian-American magic to dinner tables with layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese. Hearty and irresistible, this crowd-pleasing dish welcomes you to savor each satisfying bite of pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne)
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 24 oz marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsps fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil and cook ziti until perfectly tender. Drain and reserve.
2. Flavor Foundation: In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent. Introduce minced garlic, stirring briefly to release aromatic essence.
3. Meat Development: Incorporate ground beef or sausage, browning thoroughly while fragmenting into delicate crumbles. Eliminate excess rendering if necessary.
4. Sauce Infusion: Fold marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into meat mixture. Allow flavors to meld during a gentle 5-minute simmer.
5. Creamy Ricotta Blend: Whisk ricotta, sour cream, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan into a harmonious, silky mixture.
6. Architectural Assembly: Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with sauce. Construct alternating strata of pasta, ricotta blend, and meat sauce, concluding with a lavish cheese blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Culinary Transformation: Shield with foil, bake 20 minutes. Unveil and continue cooking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and sauce bubbles enthusiastically.
8. Serving Finale: Rest briefly, garnish with fresh herbaceous notes of basil or parsley, then serve this comforting masterpiece.

Notes

• Aim for al dente texture by testing pasta 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest. Drain immediately and avoid overcooking to prevent mushy consistency.
• Always drain ground meat thoroughly to prevent oily, heavy sauce. Use a paper towel-lined colander for best fat removal without losing flavor.
• Ensure ricotta mixture is well-blended and seasoned evenly. Room temperature ingredients help create smoother, more consistent texture for better integration.
• Layer cheese strategically to achieve golden, bubbling top without burning. Monitor last 10-15 minutes of baking closely, rotating dish if needed for even browning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg