If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying pasta dish, look no further than this Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe! It is a classic Italian-American favorite that balances tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella cheese into layers of pure happiness. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this baked ziti will warm your soul and become a beloved staple on your table. The beauty lies in its simplicity, yet the flavors are incredibly rich and inviting, making it one of those dishes everyone asks for seconds of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to create perfect harmony in flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a special role in building layers of taste — from the hearty ziti pasta providing structure, to the creamy ricotta adding richness, and the blend of mozzarella and Parmesan delivering the irresistible cheesy topping.
- 1 lb ziti pasta: The tubular shape holds sauce beautifully and bakes into tender perfection.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté aromatics and bring out their natural sweetness.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory boost that complements the tomato sauce.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional): Provides hearty, savory notes, but can be omitted for a vegetarian dish.
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: The rich, tangy tomato base ties all the flavors together.
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, this cheese adds luscious texture and balances acidity.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for smooth, even layering.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances every bite with classic herb notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out the natural flavors throughout.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth without overpowering.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts gorgeously to create that gooey, stretchy topping we all love.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, savory finish with a beautiful golden crust.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta and Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks during baking. Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente — this ensures it will finish cooking perfectly in the oven. Drain it well and set aside to avoid sogginess later. Next, warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and saute chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant to avoid bitterness. If you’re using meat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage thoroughly, then drain any excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to marry the flavors. Set it aside while you prepare the cheese mixture.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a large egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until smooth and creamy—this mixture adds a luscious, velvety layer that contrasts beautifully with the tangy marinara and melty mozzarella. Having this ready before assembling makes layering quick and clean.
Step 3: Assemble the Baked Ziti
Layering is where this Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe really comes alive. In your prepared baking dish, start with half of the cooked ziti arranged evenly. Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta, then add dollops of half the ricotta mixture across the top. Sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella to create a cheesy cushion. Repeat these layers using the remaining ziti, sauce, and ricotta mixture. Finally, top everything with the remaining mozzarella followed by the grated Parmesan, which will give the baked ziti its irresistible golden crust.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and beautifully golden. Once out of the oven, it’s important to let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this resting period helps the layers settle and makes serving easier without losing that gooey cheese pull we’re all aiming for.
How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley is a simple yet stunning finishing touch that adds brightness and a pop of green to your cheesy masterpiece. These fresh herbs also provide a lovely aroma that complements the rich flavors in the baked ziti, lifting the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are perfect companions to mop up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus offer a light, nutritious balance to this comfort food classic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets right from the oven, complete with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. You can even create a buffet-style spread allowing guests to customize their baked ziti with extra cheese, chili flakes, or chopped olives for a personalized touch that makes your Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe an interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor. When ready to enjoy again, you’ll find the baked ziti has held its cheesy integrity beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze your Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe either before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil; it can be stored for up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to revive the bubbly cheese and crispy edges. For smaller portions, a microwave works well—just cover loosely to retain moisture and heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef or Italian sausage and load up on extra veggies or just keep it saucy with marinara and cheese. It will still be rich, flavorful, and satisfying.
What type of pasta works best in baked ziti?
Ziti is traditional, but you can also use penne or rigatoni since their tubular shape holds the sauce and cheese nicely. Just be sure to cook it to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the dish a day before baking. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready, bake according to instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Is it necessary to use an egg in the ricotta mixture?
The egg helps bind the ricotta so it spreads smoothly between layers and sets nicely. If you need to avoid eggs, you can try a small amount of cornstarch or simply use the ricotta as is, but texture may be slightly different.
How can I make this dish extra cheesy?
Feel free to increase the amount of mozzarella or Parmesan, or add other cheeses like provolone or fontina. Mixing different cheeses can add complexity and gooeyness that takes this Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe to the next level.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe is the kind of dish that brings warmth to your table and smiles to everyone’s faces. It’s effortless to make, wonderfully cheesy, and full of comforting Italian flavors that feel like a big, delicious hug. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become your go-to pasta bake for family dinners, potlucks, and anytime you want a satisfying home-cooked meal. So grab your apron and dive into this delightful recipe—you’re going to love every creamy, cheesy bite!
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Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Baked Ziti with Cheese is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring tender pasta baked with a rich blend of marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. It’s perfect for family dinners and can be tailored to be vegetarian by omitting the meat. The dish is layered and baked to bubbly, golden perfection, delivering creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Cook Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If using, add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Make Sauce: Stir the marinara sauce into the meat mixture and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to marry the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Ricotta Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble Layers: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta, then add dollops of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, sauce, and ricotta mixture. Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Make this dish vegetarian by skipping the meat and using extra vegetables or a meat substitute.
- You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on busy days.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
