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Delicious Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

Featured in Dinner Ideas That Actually Work.

Start by layering ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat sauce. Bake covered, then finish uncovered till it’s golden and bubbly. It’s ready in roughly an hour.
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Clare Recipes
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:15:53 GMT
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Rich and Gooey Cheesy Baked Ziti | recipesclare.com

When comfort food calls, this classic baked ziti answers with layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and three decadent cheeses. The recipe emerged from countless Sunday dinners, perfected over time to achieve that ideal balance of creamy, saucy, and cheesy goodness that defines authentic Italian-American casseroles.

This recipe consistently earns praise from even the most discerning Italian cooks. The combination of quality ingredients and careful technique creates a dish that's both comforting and elevated.

Key Components

  • Ziti pasta: Ridged tubes perfect for holding sauce
  • Ground beef: 80/20 blend provides ideal flavor and texture
  • Ricotta cheese: Full-fat for optimal creaminess
  • Fresh mozzarella: Creates signature cheese pulls
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano: Aged cheese adds depth
  • Vidalia onion: Natural sweetness enhances sauce
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh provides superior flavor
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Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti | recipesclare.com

Preparation Method

Pasta Technique:
Cook ziti until slightly firm, reserving pasta water. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
Base Preparation:
Develop flavor by browning meat with onions until caramelized. Add garlic at the final stage.
Sauce Development:
Incorporate crushed tomatoes and simmer until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Assembly:
Create alternating layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
Baking Process:
Begin covered, finish uncovered for optimal cheese browning.

The aroma of this baking ziti transforms an ordinary dinner into a special occasion, drawing everyone to the table with anticipation.

Serving Suggestions

Accompany with classic garlic bread and crisp Caesar salad. A medium-bodied Italian red wine complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Variations

Consider incorporating spicy Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach between layers. Fresh basil makes an excellent summer addition.

Storage Instructions

Keeps well refrigerated for four days. Reheat covered with added moisture to maintain texture.

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Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe | recipesclare.com

Professional Tips

  • Strategic cheese placement creates optimal melting pockets
  • Proper meat browning develops essential flavors
  • Progressive seasoning ensures balanced taste throughout

This baked ziti recipe represents the essence of Italian-American comfort food, perfect for creating memorable family meals and gathering loved ones around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this dish in advance?
Sure! Put it together up to a day ahead, then keep it in the fridge. Just bake with an extra 10-15 minutes if it’s cold.
→ Is it okay to freeze this?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before popping it in the oven.
→ Why should the pasta stay a little firm before baking?
Keeping it al dente helps it finish cooking in the oven while staying firm, not mushy.
→ Can I use cottage cheese to replace ricotta?
Absolutely! Blend drained cottage cheese until smooth. It works great as a substitute.
→ Why let it sit awhile before serving?
Letting it rest helps the cheese firm up, so it’s much easier to cut and serve.

Cheesy Baked Ziti

Layers of pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and plenty of melted cheese make up this ultimate comfort dish!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Servings (1 9x13 pan)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta and Protein

01 1 lb ground beef or use Italian sausage
02 1 lb of ziti pasta

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

03 2 minced garlic cloves
04 A small onion, finely chopped
05 Roughly 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley

→ Sauce and Seasonings

06 A large can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
07 1 teaspoon of salt
08 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 A tablespoon of Italian herb mix

→ Cheese

10 2 cups of shredded mozzarella
11 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 2 cups ricotta cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Turn on your oven and preheat it to 375°F. Grease up a 9x13 baking pan so nothing sticks later.

Step 02

Follow the package directions for cooking the ziti until it’s firm but cooked (al dente). Drain it and set it aside for later.

Step 03

In a skillet, cook up the ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Add garlic and sauté briefly. Stir in crushed tomatoes and spices, letting it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 04

In a big bowl, toss together the ziti, ricotta, and your simmered meat sauce.

Step 05

Spread half the ziti mix in the baking dish. Sprinkle on half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the rest of the ziti and top it off with the remaining cheese.

Step 06

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Take the foil off and bake another 15 minutes, or until the cheesy top is bubbly and golden.

Step 07

Cool for a bit before serving and sprinkle on some parsley as garnish if you’d like.

Notes

  1. You can swap out ground beef with Italian sausage if preferred.
  2. Make sure the ziti is cooked to al dente before assembling since it’ll cook more in the oven.
  3. Let the dish sit for a moment before cutting into it so the layers hold together better.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet for cooking the meat
  • A pot big enough to cook all the pasta
  • Mixing bowls
  • Foil for covering the dish
  • A 9x13 baking pan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This dish contains dairy products.
  • It also includes wheat, so it’s not gluten-free.