Cheesy Baked Ziti

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When comfort food calls, this Cheesy Baked Ziti answers with a hearty, gooey embrace. It’s a weeknight hero and a weekend crowd-pleaser, layered with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and a glorious blanket of melted cheese. The top is bubbly and golden, while the inside stays creamy and packed with bold flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or just craving a cozy night in, this dish is effortless to put together and delivers big on taste. It’s everything you love about lasagna, without the fuss. Let’s dive into a cheesy classic that never goes out of style.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Ziti pasta is the classic choice, but penne or rigatoni can easily step in without sacrificing texture. What you want is a tubular shape to hold that robust meat sauce and plenty of cheese in every bite.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: The base of the dish. Its shape holds sauces perfectly.
• Ground Beef: Brings hearty, savory flavor to the sauce layer.
• Marinara Sauce: Forms the rich tomato base; you can use homemade or store-bought.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy texture and balances acidity.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheese pull.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty, and essential for depth of flavor.
• Garlic and Onion: Aromatics that boost the overall richness.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds classic herb notes that tie everything together.

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How To Make the Cheesy Baked Ziti

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

In a baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, then spread half of the meat sauce, and dollop with half the ricotta mixture. Repeat. Finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

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How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Baked Ziti

Serve this ziti hot, straight out of the oven, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze it in portions for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Baked Ziti?

Garlic Bread

A crunchy, buttery garlic bread makes the perfect companion to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crispness and tanginess of Caesar salad balance the rich and creamy ziti.

Roasted Broccoli

Add some greens to your plate with simple roasted broccoli tossed in olive oil and garlic.

Tomato Basil Soup

This combo makes for the ultimate comfort meal, especially on colder days.

Antipasto Skewers

Fresh, fun, and easy to prep—a contrast to the warm, cheesy main dish.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If cheesy baked dishes hit the spot for you, don’t miss these other savory pasta favorites from Savor Queen:

• Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for a bold, meaty twist.
• Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta that’s family-friendly and super creamy.
• Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet for a comforting one-pan dinner.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Skillet with a sweet and smoky flavor punch.
• Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight to satisfy your mac and cheese cravings.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this cheesy baked ziti to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it when dinner needs a delicious rescue.

Did you add mushrooms or try it with spicy sausage instead? I’d love to hear how you made it your own—drop your comments or questions below!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next fa

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