Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy: 8 Layers of Deliciousness

Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy is the ultimate comfort food that will elevate any meal. This dish brings together tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and an indulgent mix of cheeses to create a hearty and satisfying experience. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in, this recipe will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. Let’s dive into the delicious layers of this classic Italian dish!

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy

This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few reasons to love it:

• Rich and creamy flavors that please every palate.
• Perfect for meal prep and easy to reheat.
• Versatile—add your favorite veggies or proteins.
• Great for potlucks and parties; everyone loves it!
• Quick preparation time for a weeknight dinner.
• Ideal for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
• Comfort food that reminds you of home-cooked meals.
• Can be made as a Vegetarian Baked Ziti with Cheese option.

Ingredients for Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy

Gather these items:

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

How to Make Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
4. Step 4: Stir in marinara sauce, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with ricotta cheese and half the mozzarella. Layer in the baking dish.
6. Step 6: Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy

Keep these in mind:

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to set.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or cheddar.
• This dish is best made in a Casserole-style Cheesy Baked Ziti dish.

Best Ways to Serve Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy

Here are some serving ideas:

• Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
• Top with fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic touch.

How to Store and Reheat Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy

To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate. You can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This makes for an easy meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy

What’s the secret to perfect Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy?

The secret lies in using a good quality marinara sauce and letting the dish rest after baking. This ensures the layers set properly, creating the perfect Cheesy Pasta Bake.

Can I make Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve for an Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti for Dinner.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy?

Make sure to cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Use enough sauce to keep it moist, and don’t skip the cheese layers for that gooey texture.

Variations of Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy You Can Try

Here are a few variations to consider:

• Make it a Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• Try a One-Pot Cheesy Baked Ziti for easier cleanup.
• Use roasted vegetables for a Vegetarian Baked Ziti with Cheese option.
• Spice it up with Italian sausage or ground turkey for a hearty twist.

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe category or try making spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal!

Irresistible Baked Ziti Cheesy: 8 Layers of Deliciousness

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Baked Ziti is a comforting classic that combines layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheeses for a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
2. Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with ricotta cheese and half the mozzarella. Layer in the baking dish.
6. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg