Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe That Feeds a Crowd

If you need a hearty, comforting meal that comes together easily, this Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole is your answer. It’s packed with tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese that’ll make everyone at the table swoon. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

The first time I made this baked ziti, it quickly became a household favorite. My kids call it “pasta lasagna,” and honestly, they’re not wrong! It’s like a less fussy version of lasagna but still brings all the cozy, cheesy vibes we love. Bonus: it makes fantastic leftovers, so you’ll be covered for lunch the next day.

"Photo taken from a slightly above side angle, using natural lighting, on a kitchen table with a rustic wood surface. The baked ziti casserole is out of the oven, with golden-brown melted mozzarella bubbling on top. Fresh parsley is sprinkled as a garnish. A serving spoon rests in the dish, with a portion of the ziti plated on a white dish alongside a slice of garlic bread and a fork. A soft, neutral cloth napkin is in the background for a cozy touch."

pizza oven cta 2025 ver2b Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe That Feeds a Crowd

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleaser because it’s simple, filling, and loaded with flavor. The combination of rich marinara sauce, savory meat, and melty cheese is absolutely irresistible. Plus, this dish is great for meal prepping or potlucks—you can make it ahead and just pop it in the oven when needed!

Your Grocery List

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Building Layers of Flavor

The secret to a great baked ziti is the layers. Start with perfectly cooked pasta, add a rich, meaty sauce, and don’t hold back on the cheese! Mixing ricotta into the ziti gives it a creamy texture, while mozzarella and Parmesan on top create that irresistible golden, bubbly crust. It’s cheesy perfection in every bite.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly

This dish is perfect for busy weeks. You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time. You can also freeze baked ziti before baking—just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Make It Your Own

Feel free to swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a mix of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. Want a little extra flavor? Stir in some red pepper flakes or add a layer of spinach in the middle. You can even use penne pasta if you don’t have ziti on hand—it’ll still be delicious.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Additional Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6-8 servings

Nutrition Info: Approximately 450 calories per serving

Fun Fact: Did you know ziti means “bride” in Italian? It’s a traditional dish served at weddings in southern Italy, but don’t worry—it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner too!

Pairing Tips: Serve this baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad. For dessert, try a classic tiramisu or a slice of cheesecake to round out the meal.

A delicious slice of cheese pizzaPizza fresh from the ovenA mouthwatering pizza close-upAnother irresistible slice of pizza
"Photo taken from a slightly above side angle, using natural lighting, on a kitchen table with a rustic wood surface. The baked ziti casserole is out of the oven, with golden-brown melted mozzarella bubbling on top. Fresh parsley is sprinkled as a garnish. A serving spoon rests in the dish, with a portion of the ziti plated on a white dish alongside a slice of garlic bread and a fork. A soft, neutral cloth napkin is in the background for a cozy touch."

Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole

A hearty, comforting baked ziti casserole with layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 14 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • To taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Optional fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  • In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese until evenly combined.
  • Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
  • Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To make this ahead, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Keyword Baked Ziti, Casserole, Pasta Bake
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