Name: Cheesy Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Hey y'all! If you're craving something warm, gooey, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Baked Ziti is your new go-to comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or potluck gatherings, this easy pasta bake delivers layers of melty cheese, savory sauce, and tender pasta in every bite. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Baked Ziti

Ultimate comfort food with gooey, cheesy layers and a hearty flavor.
Feeds a crowd—perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or family dinners.
Quick and simple to prep with easy-to-find ingredients.
Versatile—customize with your favorite cheeses or add-ins.
Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Cheesy Baked Ziti Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions (about 8 minutes), until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Savory Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Layer the Cheesy Baked Ziti

Spread half of the cooked ziti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Repeat layers with remaining ziti, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil (spray the underside with nonstick spray to prevent sticking).
Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden-brown.
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Cheesy Baked Ziti Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue to soften as it bakes.
For a deeper flavor, simmer your sauce for up to 20 minutes before layering. Learn more about perfecting baked pasta.
Swap sausage for ground beef or make it vegetarian by using sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Delicious Cheesy Baked Ziti Variations

Vegetarian Cheesy Baked Ziti: Omit the meat and add roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
Spicy Ziti: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Four Cheese Ziti: Mix in provolone or fontina for extra cheesy goodness.

Required Equipment for Cheesy Baked Ziti

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet (for sauce)
9x13-inch baking dish
Colander
Wooden spoon or spatula
Aluminum foil

Cheesy Baked Ziti Storage and Shelf Life

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap tightly and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered, until hot throughout.

Pairings and Serving Recommendations for Cheesy Baked Ziti

Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette for the ultimate comfort meal.
Pair with a crisp green salad, like this simple green salad.
Enjoy with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Baked Ziti

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded varieties often contain additives that prevent smooth melting. Learn about how to shred cheese like a pro.
Let the baked ziti rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing; this keeps all those cheesy, saucy layers intact.
Add a little reserved pasta water to your sauce for extra creaminess if it's too thick.

Cheesy Baked Ziti FAQ

Can I make Cheesy Baked Ziti ahead of time?: Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake as directed, adding 10 minutes to the baking time if cold.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?: You can substitute cottage cheese or even a creamy béchamel sauce for similar richness.
How do I keep Cheesy Baked Ziti from drying out?: Be generous with sauce and cover with foil for most of the baking time to lock in moisture.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Cheesy Baked Ziti