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Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
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The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food combining tubular ziti pasta with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory parmesan cheese. This hearty baked dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a balance of melty cheeses, tangy tomato flavor, and optional meatiness from ground beef or sausage. Easy to prepare and customizable, it delivers warm, satisfying flavors that quickly become a favorite at any table.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb ziti pasta

Sauce and Meat

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente; drain and set aside to prevent overcooking, ensuring the pasta stays firm to hold its shape during baking.
  2. Cook the Meat and Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and soft. Add ground beef or Italian sausage if using, and cook thoroughly until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer to blend the flavors.
  3. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to create a creamy cheese base.
  4. Layer the Ingredients: Grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then dollops of the cheese mixture, followed by more sauce, and the remaining pasta. Top generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled ziti for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Let cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be slightly undercooked to hold its texture after baking.
  • Use fresh mozzarella cheese whenever possible for the best melty texture and flavor.
  • Layer pasta, sauce, and cheese thoughtfully to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
  • Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving to prevent it from being too runny.
  • If marinara sauce is too watery, simmer it longer to thicken and avoid soggy pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy baked pasta, Italian comfort food, mozzarella, ricotta, ziti recipe, easy baked pasta

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/ultimate-cheesy-baked-ziti-recipe/