Name: Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 1 lb ground beef (or sausage); 24 oz marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This casserole layers tender ziti pasta with a rich, flavorful tomato-meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of gooey melted mozzarella. The baked top achieves a golden, slightly crispy finish, adding a satisfying texture to every bite. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions. Customizable with added vegetables or different meats, it’s a crowd-pleaser sure to leave everyone satisfied. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks:

Undercook the pasta slightly before baking to prevent mushiness.
Use fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Substitute ground beef with turkey or sausage for variety.
Mix parmesan into the ricotta for added flavor.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.

Yield: 6 servings

Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole

Hearty Cheesy Baked Ziti combines pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, baked to perfection for a comforting family dinner.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef (or sausage)
24 oz marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta: Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Layering: Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of a casserole dish. Layer with half the pasta, dollops of ricotta, a layer of sauce, and a sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Double the recipe for leftovers or larger families.
Substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if needed.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 583Total Fat 34gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 121mgSodium 1293mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 4gSugar 9gProtein 41g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.