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Cheesy baked ziti dish

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An indulgent take on baked ziti. It’s packed with tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese blend for the ultimate comfort food.

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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:00:48 GMT
A serving of cheesy pasta baked with meat sauce sitting on a plate. Pin it
A serving of cheesy pasta baked with meat sauce sitting on a plate. | tastyhush.com

I'm sharing my million-dollar baked ziti recipe - a super indulgent version of cheesy pasta with creamy ricotta, tangy sour cream, and melty mozzarella. It's my ultimate comfort food, just right for family dinners or cozy nights in. The blend of tomato sauce, tasty beef, and bubbling cheese makes this dish totally addictive.

Comforting and flavorful dish

What makes this baked pasta special is how incredibly rich it is. The layers of creamy cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and meat sauce create a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. It's an easy recipe to make, great for sharing, and always wows everyone at the table.

My baked pasta ingredients

  • Pasta: 500g of ziti, great for holding all that sauce
  • Meat: 500g of ground beef for a tasty base
  • Sauce: 700g of marinara sauce, homemade if you can
  • Cheeses: 250g of ricotta, 250g of sour cream, 200g of shredded mozzarella, and 50g of parmesan
  • Garlic: 2 good-sized minced cloves
  • Olive oil: For cooking the garlic
  • Seasoning: Salt and pepper to your liking
  • Basil: A few fresh leaves for the finishing touch

Step-by-step cooking guide

Getting ready
I heat my oven to 190°C and oil my 33x23cm baking dish.
Pasta cooking
I boil my ziti until al dente following the package directions.
Meat sauce
In a big pan I cook garlic in olive oil then add the beef. Once browned I mix in marinara sauce and let it simmer.
Cheese mixture
I combine ricotta, sour cream and half the mozzarella in a bowl.
Assembly
I spread half the pasta, then the cheese mix, remaining pasta, meat sauce, and finish with mozzarella and parmesan.
Baking
I cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then another 10-15 minutes uncovered until golden.
Serving
I sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving it hot.
A dish of pasta with ground meat, covered in tomato sauce and melted cheese, garnished with basil leaves. Pin it
A dish of pasta with ground meat, covered in tomato sauce and melted cheese, garnished with basil leaves. | tastyhush.com

Delightful crowd-pleaser

This ziti bake is so versatile, it works for any occasion from simple family dinners to big gatherings. It's not hard to make, it's generous, and nobody can resist it. The combo of meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and baked pasta makes everyone want seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Sure! Assemble it up to a day early and store it in the fridge. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat it covered in the oven at 180°C until warmed through.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Penne or rigatoni are great swaps for ziti. Choose tube-shaped pasta so it holds up the sauce and cheese well.

→ What kind of meat works best?

Ground beef is a solid choice, but mixing beef and pork adds extra flavor. Opt for meat with some fat for better taste.

→ How do I get a golden topping?

Take off the foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking. For extra crispiness, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes if needed.

Million dollar baked ziti

Baked ziti pasta mixed with a flavorful meat sauce and a smooth, cheesy trio. A hearty and tasty meal for any table.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
02 2 minced garlic cloves.
03 2 cups shredded mozzarella (split in half).
04 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce.
05 1 tablespoon olive oil.
06 1 cup sour cream.
07 Fresh basil for topping (optional).
08 1 lb ground beef.
09 1 lb ziti noodles.
10 Salt and pepper to taste.
11 1 cup ricotta.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with some cooking spray or oil.

Step 02

Cook your ziti in salted boiling water until it's just tender. Drain it and leave it aside for later.

Step 03

Grab a pan, heat up the olive oil over medium. Toss in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Brown the ground beef until it's no longer pink, drain the grease, then pour in the marinara sauce. Let everything gently cook together for 5 minutes.

Step 04

In a mixing bowl, stir together the ricotta, sour cream, and one cup of the shredded mozzarella.

Step 05

Spread half of the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Cover it with the cheese mixture, then add the remaining pasta on top. Spoon over the beef sauce, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan on the top.

Step 06

Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven for 20 minutes. Take off the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is gooey and golden.

Step 07

Add a bit of fresh basil on top if you'd like. Serve it hot and dig in!

Notes

  1. Perfect comfort meal for gatherings with family or friends.
  2. Easy to make ahead and reheat when needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Large pot.
  • Skillet or frying pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 35 g