Description
Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate easy dinner idea that never fails to impress. With layers of al dente pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s the kind of hearty comfort food perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or feeding a crowd. This simple food idea is not just satisfying, it’s also freezer-friendly, make-ahead smart, and family-approved. Whether you’re looking for a dinner idea that’s rich in flavor or a baked pasta to satisfy cravings, this ziti recipe has it all.
Ingredients
1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 lb ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef and 1/2 cup diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned.
3. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 2 cups marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Add half the pasta, dollops of 1 cup ricotta cheese, half of the remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
6. Repeat the layers with remaining pasta, sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Always cook pasta until just al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
For added flavor, try mixing sausage with the ground beef.
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and taste—pre-shredded may contain anti-caking agents.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cheesy baked ziti, baked pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta casserole