🍝 Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
📝 Introduction
Cheesy Baked Ziti is one of the most comforting Italian-American pasta dishes. It’s a hearty blend of pasta, rich tomato-meat sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese. Similar to lasagna but easier to prepare, this dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or potlucks. The irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes it a dish loved across generations.
🥩 Ingredients
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Parsley flakes
👩🍳 Instructions / Methods
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil ziti/penne pasta in salted water until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onions until translucent.
- Add garlic, then ground beef/sausage. Cook until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste.
- Season with basil, oregano, sugar, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until flavors combine.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish (or foil tray), layer pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Top with remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.
📜 History
Baked pasta dishes have been part of Italian cuisine for centuries. The concept of layering pasta with sauce and cheese originated in Southern Italy, especially in Naples and Sicily. Italian immigrants brought these recipes to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Baked ziti became a staple in Italian-American households, often served at Sunday dinners, weddings, and celebrations.
💪 Benefits
- Protein-rich from meat and cheese.
- Energy-dense due to pasta, making it a great family meal.
- Comfort food that boosts mood.
- Calcium & vitamins from cheese and tomatoes.
🏗 Formation (Dish Structure)
- Base Layer → Pasta + sauce mix
- Middle Layer → Creamy ricotta cheese filling
- Top Layer → Melty mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan
- Baked → To perfection until bubbly and golden
🍽 Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Calcium: 18% DV
❤️ Lovers of This Dish
- Families who enjoy hearty, filling meals.
- Cheese lovers who crave gooey, stretchy bites.
- Pasta enthusiasts who want a lasagna alternative.
- Party hosts looking for crowd-pleasing comfort food.
✅ Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a timeless Italian-American classic that unites pasta, rich meat sauce, and melty cheese into one irresistible dish. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this dish never fails to delight.
👉 Truly, this is a meal for pasta lovers, cheese lovers, and comfort food lovers alike!
