Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a delightful comfort food dish that brings joy to your table. This baked pasta meal is cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a dish that everyone will love. With minimal prep time and the use of simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for numerous reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. Secondly, it’s a crowd-pleaser! The combination of ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese is a winning combination that appeals to both kids and adults. Moreover, it can be made ahead of time and stored, making it an excellent option for busy weekdays or special occasions.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 4 cups tomato sauce (2 cans)
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup ricotta
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped basil (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 20 seconds.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with paprika, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato sauce along with the water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Combine about 2 cups of the beef sauce with the cooked pasta. Mix well to combine, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Add several tablespoons of ricotta over the pasta. Ensure the mounds of ricotta are no bigger than a tablespoon for proper melting. Pour the remaining beef sauce over the pasta mixture and top it with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, take it out of the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti
Serve your Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti hot from the oven. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also great to serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who enjoy an extra cheesy touch!
How to Store Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti
To store Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti, allow it to cool completely. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it by wrapping the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti
- For extra creaminess, mix some shredded cheese into the pasta and sauce before baking.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition.
- Use a mix of cheeses for different textures and flavors. Adding provolone or gouda can enhance the taste!
Variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and substituting it with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. You can also use different pasta shapes according to what you have on hand.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
Q: How long does it take to bake?
A: It takes about 30 to 32 minutes to bake Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti, including time covered with foil and uncovered.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled from the fridge.
Enjoy your Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti!
Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the onions and garlic
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef Can be substituted with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian option
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 4 cups tomato sauce (2 cans)
- ½ cup water
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta Use in mounds, no bigger than a tablespoon
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 20 seconds.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with paprika, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato sauce along with the water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Assembly and Baking
- Combine about 2 cups of the beef sauce with the cooked pasta. Mix well to combine, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Add several tablespoons of ricotta over the pasta. Pour the remaining beef sauce over the pasta mixture and top it with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, take it out of the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve.
