Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
This creamy baked ziti combines rich marinara sauce, ricotta, and melty mozzarella for a comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz Ziti Pasta Can substitute with penne or rigatoni
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil For cooking
- 1 medium Onion, chopped Adds sweetness
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Essential for flavor
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Sausage May use turkey or veggie options
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce For classic tomato flavor
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning To enhance flavor
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- 1 tsp Pepper Adjust to taste
Cheeses
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese For creaminess
- 8 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese For melting effect
- 4 oz Grated Parmesan Cheese To add nutty flavor
Optional Garnish
- 1 tbsp Fresh Basil, chopped For garnish and flavor
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook/Assemble
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- Mix in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing it to simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve
- Drain the cooked pasta and mix it with the meat sauce.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish, followed by the cheese mixture, then top with the remaining pasta.
- Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top, then bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain texture.