Cheesy Baked Ziti is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. This hearty dish features ziti pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a great dish for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Follow this simple recipe to make your own delicious Cheesy Baked Ziti at home.
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Ziti:
- 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (240ml) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (480ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients:
- Ziti Pasta: Ziti is a type of pasta that is similar to penne but with a smooth surface. Its hollow shape and ridges make it perfect for holding onto sauces and cheese, making it ideal for baked pasta dishes like this one.
- Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce forms the base of the meat sauce in this recipe. It adds a rich, tangy flavor and a vibrant red color to the dish. You can use store-bought tomato sauce or make your own from scratch.
- Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is a creamy and slightly sweet cheese that adds richness and texture to the pasta. It’s a traditional ingredient in many Italian pasta dishes, including lasagna and baked ziti.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is known for its stretchy texture and mild flavor. It melts beautifully and adds a gooey, cheesy layer to the top of the baked ziti.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a nutty and salty flavor. It adds a savory depth to the dish and helps to bind the other ingredients together.
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.
