Cheesy Baked Ziti
This timeless baked pasta dish checks all the boxes for a weeknight favorite—rich, satisfying, and bubbling with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re working with penne or ziti, beef or sausage, this layered casserole hits the spot every single time.
🛒 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 & freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
👨🍳 Directions
Preheat and prepare
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.
Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent. Toss in the garlic and sauté for another minute.
Brown the meat
Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed.
Simmer the sauce
Pour in the marinara and tomato sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Combine ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Fold in the ricotta and half of the mozzarella.
Assemble and top
Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
Bake it up
Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Let it rest
Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the dish set and makes for cleaner slices and cheesier pulls.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve alongside warm garlic bread and a simple green salad.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if you like a little heat.
- Freeze leftovers in portions for easy, delicious reheating during the week.
