Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked ziti is a classic, easy-to-make casserole that’s full of rich flavors. The ground beef adds a hearty depth to the dish, while the ricotta cheese creates a creamy texture that perfectly complements the gooey mozzarella. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be made ahead of time, and it’s ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ 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)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Once the beef is browned, stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
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Assemble the Dish: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish and Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and substitute with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra layer of heat.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in more ricotta or use a combination of different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until hot.
FAQs
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for regular ziti pasta.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly with foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen or thaw and bake.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage would all work well in this recipe.
What other cheeses can I use?
You can use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and add more vegetables or a meat substitute.
What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
You can use any store-bought marinara sauce, or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, fresh basil and oregano can be used in place of dried. You will need more fresh herbs—about 1 tablespoon of each.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking, then remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.
Conclusion
This baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and delicious. It’s a perfect dish for busy nights when you need something easy to prepare but still crave a hearty meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
This baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of ziti pasta, seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella create a cheesy, savory meal perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this recipe is a family favorite that will satisfy everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the 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 according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, breaking it apart while it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Once browned, stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large baking dish, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir to mix thoroughly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular ziti with gluten-free pasta.
- If preparing ahead, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
