Baked Ziti with Extra Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that perfectly combines pasta, rich marinara sauce, succulent ground beef, and a generous amount of gooey melted cheese. This dish is simple to prepare and is ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The layers of ziti pasta and creamy cheese create a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Tips for Making
Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Freezing
Reheating
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick Preparation. Baked Ziti with Extra Cheese is incredibly simple to make, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ultimate Comfort Food. The combination of cheesy, saucy, and hearty creates an indulgent dish that everyone loves, making it a family favorite!
Great for Meal Prep. This recipe is ideal for batch cooking. Make a larger portion and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ziti Pasta: The star of the dish, ziti is a tubular pasta that holds the cheese and sauce beautifully.
Ground Beef: Adds a rich flavor and protein. You can also use ground turkey or sausage if preferred.
Marinara Sauce: A flavorful tomato sauce that forms the base of the dish. You can make your own or use a store-bought version.
Ricotta Cheese: Provides creaminess and texture to the dish. You can substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that pulls everything together and adds irresistible flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: For extra richness and flavor, sprinkle this on top before baking.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that enhances the sauce and meat flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish to perfection.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Extra Cheese

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and the meat-sauce mixture until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked ziti!

Tips for Making Baked Ziti with Extra Cheese

Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or oregano can enhance the flavor of your baked ziti.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the ziti will continue to cook in the oven, ensure you stop cooking it al dente.
Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses, such as provolone or gouda, for unique flavors.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the ziti mixture and place it in the baking dish without baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours until ready to bake.
If freezing, assemble the baked ziti in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing Baked Ziti with Extra Cheese

To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely, then cut into servings and place in freezer-safe containers.
Label with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Ziti with Extra Cheese

For individual servings, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
For a whole dish, cover with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

FAQs

Can I make baked ziti without meat?

Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian baked ziti by omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables or using meat substitutes.

What cheese goes best in baked ziti?

Traditional mozzarella and ricotta cheese work best in baked ziti, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses for diverse flavors.

Can I reheat baked ziti in the oven?

Yes! Reheating in the oven is a great option; it will help maintain the creaminess and texture.

How long does baked ziti last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, baked ziti will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.