If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that the whole family will love, then look no further than this Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti. This pasta dish is a perfect blend of rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella that’s baked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a delicious meal for a gathering, this baked ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will steal the spotlight.
Packed with flavor, texture, and layers of cheese, Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a dish you’ll want to make time and time again. The combination of al dente ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese makes for an irresistible comfort food experience. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and explore why it’s a favorite among pasta lovers!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is one of those dishes that instantly evokes feelings of comfort. It’s simple to prepare yet delivers a bold punch of flavor with every bite. The Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a step up from traditional baked pasta dishes because it adds a velvety, creamy layer of ricotta cheese and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for an extra cheesy, indulgent experience.
Whether you’re new to baking ziti or a seasoned cook, this recipe is perfect for any level of culinary skill. The step-by-step instructions ensure you get it just right every time. What’s more, the dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for swaps like using ground turkey or adding extra veggies if you want to customize it further.
Ingredients for the Best Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. It’s a perfect balance of pantry staples, fresh ingredients, and cheeses that come together to create a delectable meal.
Pasta and Meat Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta: Ziti is the classic pasta choice for this dish due to its hollow shape, which perfectly holds the rich sauce and cheese.
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage): Ground beef is commonly used, but you can switch it out for Italian sausage if you prefer a slightly spicier flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Onion adds a savory base flavor that will help develop the overall taste of your sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with a bold aroma and flavor, making your ziti irresistible.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: This is the base for your sauce, providing the perfect balance of tangy sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A must-have in pasta dishes! This blend of herbs adds a fragrant and herby undertone to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning your sauce and meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick to the overall flavor.
Cheeses:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Ricotta is the creamy hero of this dish, providing a luscious texture and slightly tangy flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the quintessential melty cheese for this dish, ensuring that every bite is gooey and cheesy.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor that beautifully complements the mozzarella.
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a slight herbal freshness, balancing out the richness of the dish.
Step-by-Step Directions to Create Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
1. Cook the Pasta – The First Step to Creamy Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cooking the pasta is the first step, and it’s important to follow the instructions on the pasta package to achieve that perfect al dente texture. Ziti, with its tube-like shape, holds the sauce and cheese wonderfully, making it ideal for this baked dish.
In a large pot of salted water, cook the ziti pasta until just al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture once it bakes in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Meat – A Savory Foundation for the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet. Use a spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring it’s browned evenly on all sides. This will give your sauce a rich, meaty flavor.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the meat and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. This step is crucial for developing the savory depth of the sauce. You can also use a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat in your dish.
3. Add the Tomatoes – Building the Flavorful Sauce
Once the meat is cooked through and browned, it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce the heat. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and develop. The tomatoes will release their natural sweetness, and the spices will infuse the sauce with warmth and depth.
4. Mix in the Ricotta Cheese – The Creamy Layer
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese. Mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. The ricotta cheese will provide a creamy texture that beautifully complements the rich tomato sauce.
Next, stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed throughout the pasta mixture. The mozzarella will melt into the sauce, adding a deliciously gooey texture.
5. Assemble the Baked Ziti – Ready to Go Into the Oven
Once your pasta mixture is well-mixed, it’s time to transfer it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. The size of the dish is important to ensure that the pasta bakes evenly and the cheese has enough room to melt into a bubbly, golden crust.
Top the pasta with the remaining mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an added layer of flavor and richness.
6. Bake the Ziti – The Magic Happens in the Oven
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the ziti for 20 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt and the pasta to heat through. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. The result will be a creamy, cheesy masterpiece.
7. Garnish and Serve – Time to Dig In!
Once the ziti is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the dish a chance to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of this mouthwatering dish!
Nutritional Information for Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
Each serving of Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a perfect balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 6 servings):
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
This dish is filling, comforting, and packed with the essential nutrients needed for a balanced meal. While it’s indulgent, it also provides a good amount of protein and fiber, making it a hearty option for both adults and kids.
Tips and Variations for Your Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
Make it Lighter
If you want to make a lighter version of this dish, try swapping out the ricotta for a low-fat version, or use part-skim mozzarella. You can also opt for ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner protein choice.
Add Veggies for Extra Flavor
To sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce. These veggies add more flavor and nutrition to the dish, making it even heartier and healthier.
Customize the Meat
If you prefer Italian sausage, use that instead of ground beef for a bolder, spicier flavor. You can also mix the two meats for a balance of flavors that will make this dish even more delicious.
Make it Ahead of Time
This Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and then bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat. It also freezes well, so you can enjoy leftovers or prepare it in advance for a busy week.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti, be sure to check out these other cheesy, comforting pasta dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings:
- Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
- Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a cozy family dinner, Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti will always be a hit. This dish is everything you want in a baked pasta recipe – cheesy, creamy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. It’s simple to prepare, full of rich flavors, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a comforting, cheesy experience you’ll crave time and time again. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti – A Deliciously Cheesy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With layers of melted mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, combined with a rich tomato sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s the ultimate baked pasta recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful twist.
- For extra creaminess, add an additional cup of ricotta or cream cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of the dish)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Creamy cheesy baked ziti, baked ziti recipe, cheesy baked pasta, comfort food pasta, Italian baked ziti, creamy baked ziti