The Best Cheesy Baked Ziti – Cheap, Easy, and Delicious!

Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd? This Cheesy Baked Ziti is a go-to dish for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks—all for under $10 for the entire tray!

Packed with layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, this baked ziti is as easy as lasagna but much faster to make. Plus, it’s super affordable, making it perfect for families, students, or anyone on a budget!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Budget-Friendly – Feeds 6-8 people for under $10!
Cheesy & Comforting – Like lasagna, but easier.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep.
Crowd-Pleasing – Ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
Customizable – Add meat, veggies, or make it vegetarian!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This budget-friendly baked ziti uses simple, affordable ingredients that stretch your dollar.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta Best cheap pasta brands
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce How to pick the best store-bought sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a cheaper option)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (helps bind the ricotta mixture)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 lb ground beef or Italian sausage Cheapest places to buy ground meat
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for heat

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti 1-2 minutes less than package directions (it will finish cooking in the oven).
2. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture

3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until smooth.

Step 3: Brown the Meat (If Using)

4. If adding ground beef or sausage, cook it in a pan over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and mix with the marinara sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.
6. Add half of the cooked ziti, then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top.
7. Pour over half of the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat with the rest of the ziti, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella, finishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

9. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Let It Rest & Serve

11. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving (this helps the layers set).
12. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy!

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Cost Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)

Total cost per serving: ~$1.50

• Ziti pasta (1 lb) – $1.50
• Marinara sauce (24 oz) – $2.00
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup) – $2.00
• Mozzarella cheese (1 cup) – $2.00
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup) – $1.50
• Egg, seasonings, olive oil – $1.00

Save more by:
Using cottage cheese instead of ricotta – same creamy texture, but cheaper.
Buying block mozzarella and shredding it yourself – pre-shredded is pricier!
Making homemade marinara sauce – Easy $1 marinara recipe.

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What to Serve with Baked Ziti

Pair this cheesy baked pasta with simple, budget-friendly sides like:

Garlic Bread – Super easy homemade garlic bread
Side Salad – Budget-friendly salad ideas
Roasted Veggies – Quick & easy roasted vegetables

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Common Questions

Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes.

Can I Freeze Baked Ziti?

Absolutely! Freeze before or after baking:

• Before baking – Assemble and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• After baking – Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to freeze pasta dishes properly

How Do I Reheat Baked Ziti?

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings in 1-minute intervals until warm.

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Where to Buy Cheap Ingredients for Baked Ziti

Want to save even more on groceries? Check out:

• Aldi & Walmart – Cheap pasta, cheese, and sauce.
• Costco or Sam’s Club – Bulk cheese savings.
• Dollar Tree – Surprisingly good deals on pantry items!

More grocery savings tips:

• How to Grocery Shop on a Budget
• 25 Cheap Pantry Staples You Should Always Have

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Final Thoughts: A Cheesy, Budget-Friendly Dinner Win!

This Cheesy Baked Ziti is proof that you don’t need an expensive grocery list to make an incredible, comforting meal. With just a few cheap ingredients, you get a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Have a favorite baked ziti variation? Share it in the comments below!

Loved this recipe? Pin it for later!

More budget-friendly meal ideas:

• 25 Cheap & Easy Dinner Ideas
• How to Meal Prep on a Budget
• 10 Cheap & Delicious Pasta Recipes