There’s something about the smell of baked ziti that takes me straight back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s table. The bubbling cheese, the rich tomato aroma, and knowing that everyone’s about to gather for a meal that brings comfort with every bite. I’ve spent years tweaking this recipe to get it just right, and it’s become my go-to when I need something hearty that won’t keep me in the kitchen all evening.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
I’ve tested this recipe more times than I can count to get the proportions just right. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates incredible creaminess without being too heavy. I always use whole milk ricotta for the best texture – the part-skim version can be a bit grainy in my experience.
- 1 pound ziti pasta (cooked al dente according to package directions)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage – I usually mix both for extra flavor
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes – My go-to brand is San Marzano for authentic taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup per layer)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup per layer)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – Pro tip: toast it briefly in a dry pan first to release the oils
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend reading through all the steps before starting so you can work efficiently. In my experience, having everything prepped beforehand makes this recipe come together beautifully.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente – this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining, then set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned and the onion turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant – watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 3: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and turn a deeper red color, with oil beginning to separate at the edges. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix thoroughly until every piece of pasta is coated – this ensures creamy bites throughout the dish. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Spread half of the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 6: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets and slices hold their shape. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Best Sides to Complement Your Baked Ziti
Since baked ziti is rich and hearty, I always pair it with lighter, refreshing sides that balance the meal and add color to the plate.
Crisp Garden Salad: A simple mix of romaine, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers with Italian vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese and provides a fresh contrast. The acidity from the dressing also helps cleanse your palate between bites.
Garlic Bread: Classic for a reason – crispy bread with butter and garlic is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate. Try my garlic bread rolls for an easy homemade version that takes just minutes.
Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or green beans roasted with olive oil and herbs add nutrition and color to your plate. The slight char from roasting brings out natural sweetness that complements the savory pasta.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy romaine mirror the comfort of the baked ziti while the lemon juice adds brightness. Plus, the Parmesan in the dressing echoes the cheese in the main dish.
Steamed Green Beans: For a lighter option, check out my green bean casserole which can be simplified by just steaming the beans with a squeeze of lemon juice. This keeps the focus on the baked ziti while adding vitamins and fiber.
Keeping Your Baked Ziti Fresh
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I actually prefer the leftovers – the flavors develop even more overnight as everything melds together in the fridge.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce if it seems dry. The oven method gives you that crispy cheese top again, which is my preference.
This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing it before baking – just assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and bake straight from frozen (add an extra 20-25 minutes to the cooking time). It’s perfect for meal prep or having a comfort food dinner ready whenever you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for hearty vegetarian baked ziti. You can also check out my loaded veggie baked ziti for more plant-based inspiration.
Why is my baked ziti watery?
This usually happens when the pasta is overcooked or the sauce hasn’t simmered long enough to thicken. Make sure to cook pasta al dente and let your meat sauce reduce for the full 10 minutes before mixing everything together. If you catch it before baking, drain any excess liquid from the bowl.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time since it’s starting cold from the fridge.
Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining, then set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and turns a deeper red color with oil beginning to separate at the edges.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix thoroughly until every piece of pasta is well coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown around the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
