Name: Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil (for pasta); Salt (for pasta water); 2 tbsp olive oil (for sauce); 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean, or a mix of ground beef and beef Italian sausage for extra flavor); 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup beef or chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed; 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt (for sauce); 1/2 tsp black pepper (for sauce); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce); 24 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for ricotta mixture); 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional); 1/2 tsp salt (for ricotta mixture); 1/4 tsp black pepper (for ricotta mixture); 4 cups (16 oz) shredded low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella cheese, divided; Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional); Additional grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

The Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace, a dish that instantly transports you to gatherings filled with laughter and shared joy. I know few things as comforting as a bubbling casserole of perfectly cooked pasta, enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce and generously topped with a golden, molten layer of cheese. This beloved Italian-American classic, often gracing tables at Sunday dinners, potlucks, and celebrations, holds a special place in my heart and, I believe, in countless others.

Why This Dish Is a True Crowd-Pleaser

People absolutely adore this dish for its incredible balance of textures and flavors. The ziti pasta, baked to al dente perfection, provides a satisfying chew, while the luscious, creamy tomato sauce, often infused with fragrant herbs, coats every single piece. And of course, we cannot forget the star of the show: the cheese! A harmonious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan melts together to form an irresistible, gooey topping that stretches with every forkful. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that truly fills you up, making the Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti a go-to for both busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Get ready to experience pure comfort!

Ingredients:

For the Ziti:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne if ziti is unavailable)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing pasta)
- Salt, for pasta water
For the Ultimate Creamy Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean, or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
For the Creamy Cheese Layers:
- 24 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups (about 16 ounces) shredded low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella cheese, divided
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Ultimate Creamy Meat Sauce

Brown the Meat: Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the ground beef (and Italian sausage, if using). Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.

Tip: If you’re using a fattier ground meat, you might want to drain off most of the accumulated fat after browning to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy. Leave just a tablespoon or two behind for sautéing the aromatics, as this fat carries a lot of flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the pot with the browned meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This slow cooking allows the onion to release its sweet flavors, which are essential for a balanced sauce.
Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter very quickly. Then, add the entire can of tomato paste. Stir the tomato paste into the meat and onion mixture, allowing it to cook for 3-4 minutes. Cooking the tomato paste briefly helps to deepen its flavor, mellow out its acidity, and removes its raw taste. You’ll notice it will darken slightly and develop a richer aroma.
Build the Tomato Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Add the beef or chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Simmer for Flavor Development: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially (leaving a small gap for steam to escape), and let the sauce cook for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, or even longer if you have the time.

This simmering time is critical for the “Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti” because it allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and deepen. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. The longer it simmers, the more complex and rich your meat sauce will become.
Introduce Creaminess: After the sauce has simmered and developed its flavors, remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and the softened cream cheese cubes. Continue to stir gently until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. This is where a significant part of the “creamy” in our “Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti” comes from, adding a luxurious richness to the sauce.
Final Sauce Touches: Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy meat sauce. Allow it to melt and incorporate, further enhancing the savory, cheesy depth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary. You might need a little more salt, pepper, or even a tiny pinch more sugar depending on the sweetness of your tomatoes. Turn off the heat and set the sauce aside while you prepare the pasta and cheese layers.

Cooking the Ziti Pasta

Boil Water: While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water; this seasons the pasta from the inside out and is vital for flavor.
Cook the Ziti: Add the 1 pound of ziti pasta to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook according to package directions, but aim for al dente – meaning it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. For baked ziti, it’s actually best to undercook the pasta by about 1-2 minutes from the package instructions. This ensures it won’t become overcooked and mushy during the baking process, maintaining its perfect texture in the “Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti.”
Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is al dente, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta. Rinsing removes the starches that help the sauce adhere to the pasta, which we definitely want for a delicious baked ziti.
Prevent Sticking: Transfer the drained ziti back into the empty pot or a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and gently toss to coat. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together while you prepare the other components.

Preparing the Creamy Cheese Layers

Combine Ricotta Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined and smooth. The egg acts as a binder, helping the ricotta layer hold its shape and preventing it from becoming too watery during baking. This creamy, seasoned ricotta is a cornerstone of our “Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti,” adding a delightful tang and richness that complements the meat sauce perfectly.

Assembling the Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the baked ziti from sticking to the bottom and sides, making serving much easier.
Start with a Thin Sauce Layer: Spread about 1 to 1.5 cups of the creamy meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful base and prevents the pasta from sticking directly to the dish.
First Pasta Layer: Place half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce layer in an even layer. Spread it out gently with a spoon or your hands.
First Ricotta Layer: Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread the ricotta into an even layer, covering as much of the pasta as possible. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; it will melt beautifully.
Second Sauce Layer: Spoon about 2-2.5 cups of the creamy meat sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it evenly. This layer of sauce ensures moisture and flavor throughout the dish.
First Mozzarella Layer: Sprinkle 2 cups (half) of the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. This cheese will melt down to form a gooey, delicious layer within the baked ziti.
Second Pasta Layer: Place the remaining half of the ziti pasta over the mozzarella layer, spreading it out evenly.
Second Ricotta Layer: Dollop the remaining half of the ricotta cheese mixture over this second pasta layer, and gently spread it out.
Final Sauce Layer: Pour the remaining creamy meat sauce over the ricotta layer, making sure to cover all the pasta and ricotta. This top layer of sauce will keep the dish moist and flavorful while baking.
Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan: Generously sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of sauce. Then, sprinkle a final dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. This abundance of cheese on top will create that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly crust that is the hallmark of a truly “Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti.”

Baking the Masterpiece

Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Baking it covered first allows the dish to heat through evenly, the cheeses to melt, and the flavors to truly meld without the top browning too quickly.
Bake Uncovered for Golden Perfection: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is gloriously melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. You’ll see the sauce gently bubbling around the edges, indicating that everything is perfectly heated through.

For an extra-crispy, browned top: If your cheese isn’t quite golden enough after this time, you can carefully turn on the broiler for 1-3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it, as cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds under the broiler.
Rest Before Serving: Once removed from the oven, this is a crucial step: let the “Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti” rest on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut and serve neat portions. If you cut into it too soon, the cheese and sauce can spill out, making for a messy presentation.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, if desired, for a pop of fresh flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy your incredible, homemade “Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti.” It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread.

This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser and perfect for family dinners or entertaining. You can even prepare it a day in advance and bake it just before serving for an effortless meal!

Conclusion:

And so, we arrive at the culmination of our culinary journey – a journey I sincerely hope you’re now eager to embark on in your own kitchen. I truly believe that this recipe for the Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience, a heartfelt invitation to savor truly comforting food that speaks directly to the soul. From the moment the rich aroma of baking tomatoes and melting cheeses fills your home, you’ll understand why this dish holds such a special place in my repertoire and why I’m so passionate about sharing it with you. It’s the kind of meal that silences busy weeknights with shared smiles, elevates casual gatherings into memorable feasts, and turns chilly evenings into cozy havens.

What makes this particular baked ziti a must-try, you ask? It’s the harmonious balance we’ve meticulously crafted: the tender ziti pasta, perfectly al dente, cradling a luxuriously smooth and deeply flavorful tomato sauce that simmers with just the right touch of herbs and spices. But the true magic, the very heart of its “ultimate” status, lies in the generous, multi-layered blend of cheeses. We’re talking about that irresistible combination of creamy ricotta, providing a delicate sweetness and a wonderfully soft texture, perfectly melded with stretchy, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, and a hint of sharp Parmesan that adds a complex depth of savory goodness. Every forkful delivers a glorious medley of textures and tastes – a slight crispness on top, the gooey, pull-apart cheese in the middle, and the tender pasta swimming in that incredible sauce below. It’s substantial yet not overly heavy, decadent yet surprisingly approachable, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. This isn’t just baked pasta; it’s an edible hug, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that satisfies even the most discerning palates and leaves everyone feeling wonderfully nourished and content.

When it comes to serving, this incredible dish is remarkably versatile. While it’s certainly robust enough to stand on its own as a complete meal, I often find that a few simple accompaniments can truly elevate the dining experience. A crisp, vibrant green salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette dressing, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pasta, cutting through the creaminess with its fresh crunch and zesty dressing. Another absolute essential, in my humble opinion, is a generous basket of warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that glorious sauce, ensuring no deliciousness goes to waste. If you’re hosting, consider pairing it with a medium-bodied red wine, like a Sangiovese or a Chianti, which complements the tomato and cheese beautifully. For a family-friendly twist, I sometimes offer a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus, lightly seasoned, to add an extra layer of freshness and color to the plate. Don’t underestimate the power of presentation either; serving it directly from the baking dish at the table creates a wonderfully rustic and inviting atmosphere that encourages sharing and conviviality.

One of the beautiful aspects of home cooking is the freedom to adapt and personalize, and this recipe is no exception. Feel free to explore variations that suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a meatier version, you could easily brown a pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference) or lean ground beef with some finely diced onions and peppers, then stir it into the tomato sauce before layering. Vegetarians might consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations – a layer of smoked provolone could add an intriguing smoky note, or a sprinkle of grated Asiago might introduce a sharper, nuttier profile. For an extra creamy kick, some folks like to stir a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone into the ricotta mixture. If you’re planning ahead, the entire dish can be assembled a day in advance, covered, and refrigerated, then simply baked when you’re ready; just remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. The beauty of this recipe is its inherent flexibility, allowing you to make it truly your own without compromising its core deliciousness.

Now, It’s Your Turn!

I genuinely hope I’ve inspired you to roll up your sleeves and give this incredible recipe a try. There’s an unparalleled joy in creating something so delicious from scratch, something that brings smiles to the faces around your table. I promise you, the effort is minimal compared to the incredibly rewarding experience you’ll have. This Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to create warmth, comfort, and unforgettable memories in your home. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and prepare to delight your taste buds. And please, once you’ve experienced the magic, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Share your photos, your tips, your variations, or just your general thoughts in the comments. Your feedback and culinary adventures truly inspire me, and I can’t wait to hear how this beloved dish transforms your next meal into something truly extraordinary. Happy cooking!