There's something truly magical about a bubbling casserole dish, fresh from the oven, especially when it's brimming with pasta, rich sauce, and copious amounts of melted cheese. Our Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is exactly that kind of magic. It's a culinary hug, a dish that promises warmth, satisfaction, and smiles around the dinner table.
This recipe takes the beloved Italian-American classic to new heights with its incredibly creamy texture and layers of savory flavor. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner, a lively potluck, or anytime you need a hearty, comforting meal that's surprisingly easy to achieve.
The Secret to Irresistibly Creamy Baked Ziti
What makes this baked ziti stand out? It's all in the layers and the luscious combination of dairy. We're talking tender ziti pasta enveloped in a robust meat sauce, then married with creamy ricotta and a touch of heavy cream, all baked under a golden blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. Every forkful is a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite:
- Rich & Robust: A deeply flavored meat sauce forms the perfect base.
- Double the Creaminess: Ricotta and heavy cream ensure a silky, smooth consistency throughout.
- Cheesy Perfection: A generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan creates an irresistible crust.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Ideal for preparing in advance, making mealtime a breeze.
Essential Ingredients for Your Baked Ziti
Gather these simple ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to pasta nirvana!
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Flavorful Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, for a bolder taste!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Glorious Cheese Layers:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Baked Ziti Perfection
Follow these easy steps to create your ultimate creamy cheesy baked ziti.
Preparing Your Pasta and Meat Sauce:
- Step 1: Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling Your Cheesy Masterpiece:
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and heavy cream. Mix well until smooth.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 6: Spread about 1/3 of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Step 7: Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
- Step 8: Dollop half of the ricotta-cream mixture over the ziti, spreading gently.
- Step 9: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
- Step 10: Repeat the layers: another 1/3 of the meat sauce, the remaining ziti, the rest of the ricotta-cream mixture, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Step 11: Top with the last 1/3 of the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is mostly covered.
Baking and Serving:
- Step 12: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 13: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 14: Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Tips for Baked Ziti Perfection
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Customizing Your Meat: Feel free to use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for added depth of flavor, or all sausage for a spicier kick.
- Extra Veggies: Sauté some diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Let it Rest: This crucial step helps the cheese and sauce set, making for cleaner slices and an even more satisfying texture.
Looking for more comforting pasta dishes? You'll love our Creamy Lasagna Soup: A Hearty One-Pot Italian Comfort Meal for another easy, cheesy pasta delight. And if you enjoy hearty, cheesy meals with ground beef, be sure to check out our Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for Family Dinners.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
This baked ziti is fantastic for meal planning! You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time.
For longer storage, freeze the assembled, unbaked ziti for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. For more Italian-American cooking inspiration, you can always explore resources like Food Network.
Enjoy Every Cheesy Bite!
The aroma of this Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti filling your kitchen is a true testament to its comforting power. It’s a dish that brings people together, offering a perfect blend of rich, savory flavors and gooey, melted cheese. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this delightful pasta bake!
FAQs
What kind of pasta works best for baked ziti?
While traditional ziti pasta is recommended, you can easily use other tube-shaped pastas like penne or rigatoni. These shapes are excellent for capturing the rich sauce and cheese in every bite.
Can I prepare baked ziti in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time.
How can I add more flavor to my baked ziti meat sauce?
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while it simmers. Using Italian sausage instead of ground beef also imparts a wonderful zest.
What are the best side dishes to serve with baked ziti?
Baked ziti pairs beautifully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness.
Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A comforting Italian-American casserole featuring ziti pasta, a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a melted mozzarella and Parmesan topping.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and heavy cream. Mix well until smooth.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 6: Spread about 1/3 of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
Step 8: Dollop half of the ricotta-cream mixture over the ziti, spreading gently.
Step 9: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
Step 10: Repeat the layers: another 1/3 of the meat sauce, the remaining ziti, the rest of the ricotta-cream mixture, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 11: Top with the last 1/3 of the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is mostly covered.
Step 12: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 13: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 14: Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, try browning a mix of Italian sausage and ground beef. Leftovers are fantastic and reheat well!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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