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.

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.

Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole
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.