Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole

 

The Best Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole – A Comfort Food Classic Without Mushrooms or Nuts

Looking for the ultimate baked pasta recipe that’s easy, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd? This Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole is the answer. It’s rich, comforting, and loaded with three types of cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta—all baked to golden perfection. And best of all? It’s completely mushroom-free and nut-free, making it a safe and satisfying choice for families with food allergies or picky eaters.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Casserole

When it comes to comfort food casseroles, baked ziti is king. Think of it as the easier, weeknight-friendly cousin of lasagna—just as indulgent, but without all the fuss. This version is packed with:

Tender ziti or penne pasta

Hearty meat sauce made with ground beef or sausage

A creamy ricotta layer (with optional spinach for a touch of green)

A gooey, golden topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan

Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner, contributing to a potluck, or simply meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create the best baked ziti ever:

🧂 For the Pasta:

1 lb ziti or penne

Salt (for the pasta water)

  For the Meat Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)

1 tsp dried basil

½ tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

 For the Ricotta Layer:

1½ cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter version)

1 egg

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ cup grated Parmesan

Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or thawed frozen, well-drained)

 For the Topping:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente—you want it to have a little bite, since it will cook more in the oven. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the meat and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Pour in the marinara sauce, add basil and oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, garlic powder, Parmesan, and optional spinach. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9x13" baking dish:

Spread half the pasta

Dollop and spread the ricotta mixture

Pour on half the meat sauce

Repeat with remaining pasta and meat sauce

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil (spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

6. Let It Rest

Allow to rest 10–15 minutes before serving for clean slices and better flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this baked ziti casserole with:

Garlic bread or crusty rolls

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette

Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli

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Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.

Reheat: Individual portions reheat beautifully in the microwave. Whole casseroles can be warmed in a 325°F oven until heated through.

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FAQs About Baked Ziti

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well.

 Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the meat and sauté diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers instead.

 Can I add more cheese?

Always. Try provolone or fontina for extra richness.

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole is everything you want in a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish—rich, flavorful, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're cooking for family dinner or prepping for leftovers, this is one of those recipes you'll come back to again and again.

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