Name: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce; 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a meal that is comforting, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with both cheesy goodness and hearty flavors, then Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta should absolutely be on your dinner table. This Italian-American classic layers perfectly cooked ziti pasta, rich and savory ground beef, marinara, and a creamy, seasoned ricotta filling—finished with a bubbling blanket of ooey-gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. Whether you’re gathering the family on a busy weeknight or feeding a room full of friends, Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta promises to deliver on flavor and comfort every time.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is how it turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Each element brings its own touch to the dish, whether it’s hearty texture, rich flavor, or that iconic cheesy finish.

Ziti Pasta: The perfect tubular shape for holding onto that delicious sauce and cheesy filling.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and gives a subtle depth to the meat sauce.
Ground Beef: Makes the dish satisfying and rich in flavor; you can use turkey or sausage as an alternative.
Small Onion: Diced and sautéed for sweetness and balance.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for a truly aromatic foundation.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred variety for ease and consistent flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it forms the dreamy filling between layers.
Large Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture together for perfect layers.
Salt & Black Pepper: Bring out all the savory notes in every bite.
Italian Seasoning: The classic blend of herbs for a true Italian taste.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melted magic that makes every slice irresistible.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Bold, nutty, and perfect for finishing the dish.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness as garnish.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente as it will continue baking later. Drain your pasta and set it aside, making sure not to overcook—this step sets the stage for the perfect texture in your final Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef and Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it browns. Once there’s barely any pink left, add the diced onion and garlic. Let those sauté away until the onion is translucent and everything smells heavenly. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it gently bubble for about five minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

While your sauce simmers, grab a mixing bowl and stir together ricotta cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan. This mixture is your layer of creamy, herby joy that sets Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta apart from other casseroles.

Step 4: Layer It Up

In a large baking dish, lay down half of the cooked pasta, smoothing it into an even layer. Next, cover with half of your beefy sauce and spread dollops of the ricotta mixture over the top. Repeat with the second half—pasta, sauce, more ricotta—and finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the surface. This layering is what gets you those perfect pockets of cheesy and saucy goodness in each serving of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish snugly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, letting everything heat through and meld together. Uncover for the final 10–15 minutes, which is when your cheese will bubble up and get that golden, crave-worthy top. Let the casserole rest for five minutes before slicing, allowing all the layers to settle for the best presentation and flavor.

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a burst of color and a bright, herbaceous finish on top of your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, offer a little extra Parmesan at the table for even more umami punch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or warm garlic bread for mopping up all that sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli add a wholesome, colorful contrast to the rich and cheesy main course.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your presentation up a notch, try baking individual servings in ramekins for dinner parties, or layering everything in a cast-iron skillet for a more rustic, homey vibe. No matter how you serve it, Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta always impresses with its classic look and gooey, melty cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta keeps incredibly well in the fridge, stored in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, often making your next-day lunch or dinner even more delicious.

Freezing

This dish is wonderfully freezer friendly. Prepare and assemble the casserole as directed, but hold off on baking. Cover tightly with foil, label, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, you can bake it directly from frozen—just add extra baking time until it’s heated through and bubbly.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly (about 20–30 minutes for a big piece). Individual slices can be microwaved for quick lunches, but a splash of water and cover will prevent the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While ziti is classic, penne or rigatoni also work beautifully in Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta because their shape traps plenty of sauce and cheese.

Do I have to use ground beef?

Nope—ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a meatless plant-based crumble can stand in. Each alternative brings a slightly different flavor and texture, but the dish will remain wonderfully satisfying.

Can I make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven (you may need a bit of extra time if baking straight from cold).

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Be sure to cook your pasta just until al dente and not any longer, since it continues to soften as the casserole bakes. Draining it promptly and rinsing with cool water also helps keep the texture spot on.

What’s the best way to reheat a whole pan?

If you’ve got a full pan of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F until hot throughout. Removing the foil for the last few minutes will re-crisp the cheesy top.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for the ultimate in cozy, crowd-friendly comfort food, give Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta a try. Its blend of creamy, meaty, and cheesy layers is bound to make it a recurring favorite in your kitchen. Gather your loved ones, enjoy the smiles, and savor every bite!

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and cheesy dish with this Baked Ziti recipe featuring savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

1 pound ziti pasta

Meat Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

Ricotta Mixture:

1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce: In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Add marinara sauce and simmer.
Mix the ricotta: Combine ricotta, egg, seasonings, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Layer the dish: In a baking dish, layer pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Repeat and top with remaining cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.