Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked ziti is a satisfying, flavorful meal that brings the warmth of a classic Italian comfort food right to your table. The combination of tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, seasoned ground beef, and creamy ricotta makes every bite an explosion of flavors. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and is ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and top with the beef sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Mix in some cooked spinach or other greens for a boost of nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, cover the dish tightly with foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.
FAQs
How long should I bake the ziti?
Bake the ziti for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ziti up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can swap the mozzarella for provolone or fontina, and use Parmesan or Pecorino Romano instead of grated Parmesan.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or mascarpone are great alternatives to ricotta.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even olives to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef sauce for some extra heat.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni will work well if you don’t have ziti pasta.
How can I prevent the cheese from becoming too greasy?
Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef before adding the sauce, and be careful not to over-bake the ziti.
How do I make this dish lighter?
You can use lean ground turkey or chicken, and low-fat cheeses for a lighter version of this dish.
Can I freeze this baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its easy-to-follow recipe and comforting combination of pasta, beef, and cheese, it’s sure to be a hit at your next family dinner. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or reheated as leftovers, this dish delivers mouthwatering flavor in every bite.
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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a classic Italian comfort food that combines tender pasta, savory beef, marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese. A true crowd-pleaser, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep. With layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this easy-to-make dish delivers rich flavors that will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, then pour the beef sauce over it.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to prevent the dish from being greasy.
- Customize the flavor by adding extra herbs or spices like thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute with lean ground turkey or chicken, and opt for low-fat cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
