A comforting and flavorful classic, Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta combines tender pasta, savory beef, marinara sauce, and creamy layers of ricotta and mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this hearty dish will be a favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of marinara sauce, seasoned ground beef, and cheese creates an irresistibly savory dish.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple, everyday ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
- Customizable: Adjust the herbs, sauce, or cheese to suit your tastes.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the ziti pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, basil, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix Ricotta Cheese:
- Combine ricotta with half of the Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom.
- Layer half the pasta, dollops of ricotta mixture, and half the mozzarella.
- Add another layer of sauce and repeat the layers.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat.
- Cheese Alternatives: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or experiment with gouda or provolone for a twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Different Pasta Shapes: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini can be used instead of ziti.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the baked ziti tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- For refrigerated portions, warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- For frozen ziti, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or even shell pasta work well.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. What’s a good substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used as substitutes.
4. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta to al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions.
6. Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil while baking?
Covering ensures the cheese doesn’t burn and the dish stays moist.
7. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh basil and oregano enhance the flavor. Adjust the amount as needed.
8. What type of marinara sauce should I use?
Choose your favorite store-bought brand or homemade marinara for the best flavor.
9. How do I know when the baked ziti is ready?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly, with golden edges.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones and adjust the baking time as needed.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a versatile and satisfying dish perfect for any meal. Its hearty layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese make it a comforting choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With easy substitutions and variations, you can tailor this recipe to your tastes. Enjoy this timeless classic with family and friends.
Print
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta! Layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese come together in a family-favorite dish that’s easy to make and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe Schema
SEO Optimized Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta! Layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese come together in a family-favorite dish that’s easy to make and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Layers:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe Schema
SEO Optimized Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta! Layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese come together in a family-favorite dish that’s easy to make and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Layers:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until softened (3–4 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix in marinara sauce, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan. Set aside.
5️⃣ Assemble the Ziti:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Layer half of the cooked ziti evenly over the sauce.
- Add dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
- Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella layer.
- Repeat with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce.
- Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
6️⃣ Bake the Ziti:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7️⃣ Serve:
- Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: ~425 kcal per serving
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *