Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

This recipe serves 8 people generously and takes about 45 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes of baking time. The result is a perfectly balanced casserole with layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Cheesy Baked Ziti recipe, gather these comforting ingredients:

For the pasta and sauce:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the cheese layers:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than recommended. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking prevents it from becoming mushy.

Drain the pasta and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside in a large bowl while you prepare the sauce and cheese mixture.

Making the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. The combination of sausage and beef creates a more complex flavor than using just one type of meat.

Add the diced onion to the cooked meat and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Building the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop its flavor. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too thick, as it will continue to reduce while baking.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well until smooth and creamy. The egg helps bind the ricotta and prevents it from becoming grainy during baking.

Season the ricotta mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. This cheese layer will add creaminess and richness to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.

Assembling the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In the large bowl with the cooked pasta, add the meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with sauce and cheese.

Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, then gently spread it into an even layer.

Creating the Layers

Top the ricotta layer with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese.

The cheese should completely cover the top layer of pasta, creating a golden, bubbly crust when baked. Reserve the remaining Parmesan for serving.

Baking to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.

The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and you should see the sauce bubbling up around the sides of the dish. If the top isn’t golden enough, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Resting and Serving

Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut clean portions without everything falling apart.

Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving. The cheese will continue to melt slightly from the residual heat, creating an appealing presentation.

Serving Your Cheesy Baked Ziti

Cut the ziti into generous squares and serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad. The rich, cheesy casserole pairs perfectly with the crusty bread and fresh greens to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Each serving should show distinct layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and melted cheese, creating a beautiful cross-section that’s as appealing to look at as it is to eat.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover baked ziti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Cover individual portions with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

The entire casserole can also be assembled up to 2 days ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Assemble the casserole in a disposable aluminum pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake directly from frozen, adding 30-40 minutes to the cooking time.