Description
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a delicious, comforting Italian dish perfect for family dinners. This hearty casserole features ziti pasta, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. With a rich marinara sauce and savory seasonings, this dish offers a satisfying, flavorful meal that will become a family favorite. Easy to make and full of flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknights or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half the mozzarella and the Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of cooked pasta, then top with the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
