This baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food oozing with melted mozzarella, a luxuriously creamy ricotta-sour cream blend, and hearty beef in a rich marinara sauce. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and tangy notes, wrapped in warm, tender pasta.
Whether you’re serving a hungry family or prepping ahead for guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and fills your home with the mouthwatering aroma of Italian cooking. Serve with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread, and you’ve got yourself a dinner to remember.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ziti pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb ground beef
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 egg
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
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Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, and egg until well combined.
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Add cooked ziti to the meat sauce and stir to coat.
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Layer half of the ziti mixture in the baking dish. Spread ricotta mixture on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella.
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Add remaining ziti, top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
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Let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 525 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Making Baked Ziti with Creamy Cheese Sauce
If there’s one dish that brings people together at the table, it’s a bubbling tray of baked ziti. With its melty cheese, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, baked ziti is a timeless comfort food that never goes out of style. But what if we told you that the classic version could be taken up a notch? Imagine tender ziti noodles coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, layered with seasoned ground beef, and baked until golden and gooey. That’s exactly what this Baked Ziti with Creamy Cheese Sauce delivers.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for a cozy Sunday night dinner, or looking for something hearty and satisfying to meal prep for the week, this creamy baked ziti recipe checks all the boxes.
What Makes This Baked Ziti So Special?
Unlike traditional baked ziti, which often uses plain ricotta or marinara alone, this recipe layers in sour cream for added creaminess and depth. Combined with ricotta and egg, the cheese filling becomes velvety and rich, almost like a lasagna filling, but quicker and easier to prepare. Add that to perfectly seasoned meat sauce and generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and you get a casserole that’s indulgent without being heavy.
The best part? It’s versatile. You can swap the beef for Italian sausage, go meatless, add roasted vegetables, or spice it up with crushed red pepper. It’s a recipe that welcomes creativity.
Key Ingredients & Why They Matter
Let’s take a closer look at the core components of this irresistible baked ziti:
Ziti Pasta
Ziti is a medium-sized tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully. It’s hearty enough to stand up to baking and soaking in the cheese mixture. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni are great alternatives.
Ground Beef
Using lean ground beef ensures a flavorful yet balanced meat layer. It’s cooked with onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning to build a savory base. Want extra depth? Try half beef, half Italian sausage.
Marinara Sauce
Choose a high-quality marinara or make your own. The sauce is the backbone of the dish, so whether it’s store-bought or homemade, it should be rich and flavorful.
Ricotta & Sour Cream
The magic of this recipe lies in this creamy duo. Ricotta brings that traditional Italian flavor, while sour cream adds a subtle tang and creaminess. The egg binds the mixture, helping it set during baking.
Mozzarella & Parmesan
Mozzarella melts into a bubbly, stringy topping that everyone loves. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty punch. Together, they create a golden crust that’s visually stunning and delicious.
Onions & Garlic
These aromatics are the flavor base of the meat sauce. Don’t skip them because they provide the depth that elevates the entire dish.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about baked ziti is how customizable it is. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant. Roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes also work wonderfully.
- Spicy Twist
Love a little heat? Use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef, or add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
- Extra Creamy Version
Add a bit of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the cheese mixture if you want an ultra-decadent result.
- More Herbs, More Flavor
Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley can be stirred into the sauce or used as a garnish. Even a touch of rosemary or thyme can add dimension.
Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti Every Time
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Don’t overcook your pasta. Boil it just until al dente, it will continue cooking in the oven.
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Let it rest. After baking, let your ziti sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and prevents a soupy mess on your plate.
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Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which don’t melt as smoothly.
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Double the batch. This dish freezes beautifully. Make two pans, bake one now and freeze the other for a future meal.
What to Serve With Baked Ziti
This creamy baked ziti is filling and satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
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Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.
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Simple Green Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast.
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Roasted Veggies: Think broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus tossed in olive oil and sea salt.
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Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red like Chianti, Merlot, or Zinfandel complements the richness of the dish.
Storing and Reheating
This baked ziti is a meal prep champion. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions or as a whole tray (before or after baking).
To reheat:
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Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
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Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through (about 20–25 minutes).
Healthier Tweaks (Without Sacrificing Flavor)
If you’re looking to make your ziti a little lighter:
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Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
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Add more vegetables to the meat sauce (like diced carrots, spinach, or kale).
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Swap full-fat cheese for part-skim versions.
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Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and nutrients.
You’ll still get all the comfort without overdoing it.
Conclusion
This Baked Ziti with Creamy Cheese Sauce isn’t just another pasta bake, it’s a warm, cheesy, soul-satisfying dish that brings people together. With its melty layers, savory beef sauce, and the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy textures, it’s the kind of meal that never disappoints.
Whether you’re serving it for Sunday supper, prepping for busy weeknights, or sharing it at a potluck, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Don’t be surprised if people start asking for seconds, and the recipe!