Cheesy Baked Ziti
This classic baked pasta dish is everything you want in a weeknight comfort meal—hearty, saucy, and layered with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella. Whether you use ziti or penne, beef or sausage, this bake delivers cozy satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ziti or penne pasta | 1 lb |
| Ground beef or Italian sausage | 1 lb |
| Medium onion (diced) | 1 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 |
| Marinara sauce | 1 jar (24 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Italian seasoning | 2 tsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
- Preheat & prep
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or foil pan. - Boil the pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more. - Brown the meat
Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat. - Make the sauce
Stir in marinara, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors meld. - Mix it all together
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in ricotta and half the mozzarella. - Layer & top
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots. - Rest & serve
Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers set and gives you those perfect cheesy pulls.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy weeknight meals.
