Baked Ziti Ground Beef Ricotta

This baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is the perfect comfort meal that brings cheesy goodness and rich flavors together in one satisfying dish. It’s great for feeding a hungry family or making ahead for busy weeknights. Creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella balance the savory beef and tomato sauce beautifully, creating a hearty dinner that everyone will enjoy.

I first made this recipe when I needed a warm meal to cheer up the family on a chilly night and now it’s a regular request especially when my kids want something filling and full of flavor

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: holds sauce well with its tube shape for perfect texture
• Ground beef: adds a rich meaty base; choose lean or regular depending on preference
• Marinara sauce: the tomato backbone with savory herbs; opt for a quality jar or homemade if you have time
• Ricotta cheese: creamy and mild; gives the dish a luscious melt and light tang
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for that gooey cheese layer
• Parmesan cheese: adds a bright, salty finish to lift flavors
• Onion: builds a sweet aromatic base when sautéed
• Garlic: essential for depth and aroma; fresh cloves are best
• Olive oil: used to soften the aromatics and brown the beef
• Dried basil and oregano: optional but add classic Italian seasoning notes
• Salt and pepper: season to taste for perfect balance
• Fresh parsley: optional garnish for a fresh burst of color and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius so it’s ready when you finish assembling the dish

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti following package instructions until just al dente meaning tender but still firm to the bite Drain well and set aside so it doesn’t overcook

Cook the Ground Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Then add chopped onion and cook for three to four minutes until soft and translucent This base is important for layering flavors Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant Add the ground beef breaking it apart with a spoon Cook until browned and no longer pink Drain excess fat if there is any to keep the dish from becoming greasy

Make the Sauce:

Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle dried basil and oregano if you use them Season with salt and pepper to your taste Let everything gently simmer for about five minutes to let the flavors meld wonderfully

Prepare Ricotta Mixture:

In a bowl combine ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese which is a quarter cup This blend will add richness and help bind the layers

Assemble the Baked Ziti:

Lightly grease a baking dish about nine by thirteen inches Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom to prevent sticking Add half of the cooked pasta Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture evenly across the pasta Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over it Layer half of the remaining meat sauce over everything Then repeat the layers starting with the leftover pasta ricotta and mozzarella Top with the final meat sauce and finish sprinkling with the remaining Parmesan cheese This layering is key to getting even flavor and cheese distribution

Bake:

Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist Bake for twenty minutes Remove the foil and continue baking for another ten to fifteen minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling and just starting to brown

Serve:

Let the baked ziti rest for five minutes before serving to allow it to set Making the dish easier to serve Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color

Save

Ricotta is my favorite ingredient here because it lends a silky richness that perfectly balances the tangy tomato sauce and beef The first time I made this my whole family gathered around the table warm from the oven and instantly wanted seconds which told me I had a winner

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to three days Reheat covered in the oven or microwave to restore its creamy texture To freeze wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace ground beef for a leaner or spicier twist Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta if you need a lower fat option Swap dried herbs with fresh if available but reduce the quantity as fresh herbs are more potent

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a green side salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon to cut through the richness A crisp garlic bread or warm focaccia pairs wonderfully to soak up any extra sauce Dessert of fresh fruit or a light sorbet balances the meal nicely

Cultural Context

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food often found at family dinners and celebrations Its layered structure is similar to lasagna but simpler to prepare It traces its roots to the Sicilian tradition of pasta al forno meaning pasta baked in the oven with cheese and sauce

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work well if ziti isn't available. Choose a tubular pasta to hold the sauce and cheese.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed when ready to serve.

→ What cheese can I substitute for ricotta?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used in place of ricotta, though texture and taste will vary slightly.

→ How do I make it more flavorful?

Try mixing in Italian sausage or adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra depth.

→ Do I need to cook the pasta fully?

No, cook the pasta until al dente. It will continue cooking while baking, absorbing flavors from the sauce.