Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole

Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole

Introduction

Few dishes capture the essence of home-cooked comfort food like a bubbling pan of baked ziti fresh from the oven. With layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory meat, and gooey melted cheese, this Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole is the ultimate family-style meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave something warm and indulgent. This recipe takes classic Italian flavors and bakes them into a golden, cheesy masterpiece that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti or penne pasta

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

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• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

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• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking since it will continue cooking in the oven.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Make the Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix well until creamy and smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish (or two 9-inch foil pans), spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the cheese mixture and a layer of sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce on top.
Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that perfectly golden crust.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to help the layers set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this baked ziti warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad. A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top adds a beautiful aroma and a touch of color. Pair it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for the perfect Italian-inspired meal.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole is more than just dinner—it’s comfort in every bite. With its rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly baked top layer, it delivers everything you love about Italian cooking in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy family meal, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Every forkful brings a taste of home, warmth, and pure satisfaction.