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
