There are some dishes that just scream comfort food, you know? Like, the kind that hug you from the inside out. For me, that’s absolutely classic Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for a busy weeknight or a laid-back Sunday dinner with the family. We’re talking about this incredible symphony of perfectly cooked ziti noodles all tangled up with a rich, savory tomato sauce that’s simmering with all the good stuff. Then, oh then, there are the cheeses! A glorious blend that gets all melty and bubbly, creating that irresistible pull and creamy texture. Seriously, this baked ziti is practically magic in a dish, and the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up. My grandma used to make this for us after Little League games, and the smell alone would just make everything better!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Honestly, what’s not to adore about this classic dish?

Super Easy to Make: Trust me, even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can totally nail this recipe. It’s pretty forgiving!
Crazy Delicious: The combination of the savory sauce, tender pasta, and that generous cheesy trio? Pure bliss. It’s a flavor explosion!
Family Favorite: This is the kind of meal that gets rave reviews from everyone, from picky eaters to adults. It’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
So Versatile: Whether you’re having a casual weeknight dinner or a bigger gathering, this baked ziti fits right in. Plus, it’s great for using up leftover bits in your fridge.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this dreamy baked ziti! It’s a pretty straightforward list, but the quality of these ingredients really makes a difference.

1 pound of ziti pasta – make sure it’s a brand you like; nothing too flimsy!
1 tablespoon of good olive oil – just enough to get things started.
1 pound of ground beef – I usually go for 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and fat.
1 medium onion, all chopped up – this adds a lovely sweetness.
2 cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine – because garlic is life, right?
1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes – use good quality ones; they make the sauce sing.
2 teaspoons of dried oregano – the backbone of any good Italian sauce.
1 teaspoon of dried basil – for that classic fresh herb vibe.
1/2 teaspoon of salt – or to your taste!
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper – just a little kick.
15 ounces of ricotta cheese – full-fat is best for creaminess, trust me.
1 egg, beaten – this helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese – for that salty, nutty depth. We’ll use some in the ricotta and some for topping.
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese – this is where the magic happens! Make sure it’s shredded for that perfect melt.

Essential Equipment for Your Baked Ziti

Okay, so you’ve got your ingredients ready, right? Now, let’s talk tools! You don’t need a super fancy kitchen for this, just a few basics to make your life easier. You’ll definitely want a trusty 9×13 inch baking dish – this is perfect for getting those generous cheesy layers. A large skillet is a must for browning your meat and simmering that delicious sauce. And of course, you’ll need a medium bowl for the ricotta mix and a large bowl to bring everything together before it hits the oven. That’s pretty much it – simple tools for a simple, amazing meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where all the magic happens. Don’t be intimidated, it’s honestly a pretty relaxed process, and I’ll walk you through it.

Preparing the Pasta and Sauce

First things first, get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a big pot and cook your ziti pasta according to the package directions. You want it *al dente*, which just means it still has a tiny bit of bite to it, because it’s going to cook more in the oven. Drain it thoroughly and set it aside. Now, let’s make that incredible sauce! Heat your olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned. Make sure to drain off any excess grease – nobody wants a greasy ziti, right? Toss in your chopped onion and let it get nice and soft, about 5 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic for just about a minute until it smells amazing. Pour in your crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This lets all those flavors really meld together. It just fills the kitchen with the best smell!

Creating the Cheesy Ricotta Mixture

While the sauce is doing its thing, let’s whip up that creamy ricotta layer. In a medium bowl, combine your ricotta cheese, the beaten egg, and about a quarter cup of that glorious Parmesan cheese. Mix it all up really well until everything is nicely combined. This little mixture is what makes the ziti so wonderfully creamy and gives it that classic baked ziti texture. You want it to be smooth and ready to spread!

Assembling Your Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Okay, assembly time! This is where it all starts to look like actual baked ziti. Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread about half of your cooked ziti into the bottom of the dish. Now, spoon about half of that rich tomato sauce over the pasta, and then dollop half of that lovely ricotta mixture on top. Ready for the cheese? Sprinkle a good cup of that shredded mozzarella cheese all over. Then, repeat! Add the rest of the ziti, followed by the remaining sauce and ricotta mixture. Finally, top it all off with the rest of your mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Make sure to spread it evenly so you get that gorgeous, bubbly, golden-brown cheesy crust all over. It’s going to look amazing!

Baking and Resting the Ziti

Pop that beautifully assembled dish into your preheated oven. You’re going to bake it for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until that cheese on top is all melted, bubbly, and maybe even starting to get a little golden brown in spots. It’s seriously satisfying to watch! Once it’s out of the oven, and I know it’s tempting to dive right in, please, please let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before you serve it. This is super important because it lets everything settle and set properly, so you get those nice clean squares when you serve it, instead of a big cheesy mess. Trust me on this one. If you’ve got something like these creamy ricotta shells, you know how a little rest makes all the difference!

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Alright, so you’ve got the recipe down, but let me give you a few little secrets to make your Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses absolutely sing. It’s all about the little touches, you know? First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your tomato sauce; a good base makes all the difference. And for the cheese? While mozzarella is a must for that gooey pull, don’t be afraid to mix in a little provolone or even some sharp white cheddar with your Parmesan for an extra flavor punch. It really elevates the ‘three cheeses’ part! Also, letting the pasta rest after boiling is key – nobody likes mushy ziti, and a little al dente bite is perfect. If you’re ever looking for other pasta dishes, you might love this Italian sausage pasta or even stuffed shells; they all have that same cozy factor!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

So, what if you’re missing an ingredient or just want to switch things up a bit? Totally fine! If you don’t have ziti, no worries at all. Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work like a charm – just make sure they’re a shape that holds sauce well. For the meat lovers, ground turkey is a great lighter option, or go for Italian sausage (mild or spicy!) if you want to kick it up a notch. And about those cheeses? While mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are the classic trio for a reason, feel free to play around! A bit of provolone mixed with the mozzarella adds a nice depth, or even a sharp cheddar can be fun. Just keep that creamy ricotta and the melty mozzarella – they’re key to that perfect baked ziti vibe.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Ziti

Now that you’ve got this incredible Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses ready to go, what do you serve with it? My go-to is always a simple green salad – something light and fresh to balance out all that richness. A nice big platter of crusty garlic bread is practically mandatory, obviously! And if you want a little extra green goodness, some steamed broccoli or green beans are lovely. Honestly though, this baked ziti is so hearty, it really shines all on its own! If you’re ever making something like this garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake, you know a simple side is perfect.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Okay, so you’ve got a pan of glorious Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses, and maybe, just maybe, there are a few leftovers (a rare but wonderful occurrence!). To keep it tasting amazing, just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container or cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll be good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the oven is my favorite way to go – it gets everything nice and bubbly again, just like the first time! Pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes until it’s heated through. If you’re in a super rush, the microwave works too, just be mindful that the pasta might be a bit softer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Ziti

Got questions about this amazing Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those recipes that people always ask a little something about, so here are the most common ones I get:

Can I make this ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! This is my secret weapon for busy days. You can assemble the entire baked ziti, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going into the oven cold.

Can I freeze Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses?

Yes, you can! You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual (again, you might need a little extra time). If freezing leftovers, let them cool completely, then wrap them well. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave. It’s a lifesaver! It’s a lot like freezing other casseroles, kind of like this hobo casserole; just make sure it’s sealed up tight.

What if I don’t have ziti pasta?

No ziti? No problem! Honestly, any short pasta shape will work beautifully here. Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini are fantastic substitutes. Just make sure they cook up al dente, as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. They all hold that delicious sauce and cheese so well, just like ziti does!

How can I make this vegetarian?

Making this vegetarian is super easy! Just skip the ground beef. You can add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the tomato sauce for some extra heartiness. Some folks even use plant-based crumbles if they want that meaty texture. You’ll still get all that amazing cheesy goodness!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a quick heads-up, the nutrition info for this amazing Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses is an estimate, since we all use slightly different ingredients and portion sizes, right? Based on the recipe, you’re looking at roughly 450 calories per serving, with about 20g of fat (that’s the delicious cheesy kind!), 25g of protein, and 45g of carbs. So, it’s a hearty meal for sure! It’s always good to remember that these numbers can change depending on the specific brands you use and how generous you are with those cheesy layers!

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic baked ziti recipe featuring a rich tomato sauce and a blend of three cheeses.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, tomato sauce mixture, and ricotta mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Spread half of the ziti mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Top with the remaining ziti mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni pasta will also work.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8th of casserole
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: baked ziti, three cheese, pasta, Italian, casserole, comfort food, dinner