If comfort food had a superstar, it would undoubtedly be this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe. It’s an irresistible blend of tender pasta, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty cheeses, all married together in a rich marinara sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this dish promises a hearty, satisfying meal that hits every note of flavor and texture you crave on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in balancing flavors, textures, and colors, making this baked ziti a standout dish. From the tangy marinara that adds brightness to the creamy ricotta that brings luscious softness, every component is simple yet essential.
- Ziti pasta (1 lb/450g): Perfect tubular pasta that holds sauce in every bite for maximum flavor.
- Ground beef (1 lb/450g): Adds hearty, savory richness and protein to the dish.
- Medium onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses fragrant warmth and a little zing.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz/680g): The tomato base that ties everything together with its tangy, herbaceous punch.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Creates a creamy, mild layer that balances meat and tomato flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness on top and inside.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, sharp finish to the bakedziti.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Provides a sweet, slightly peppery herb note.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Gives an earthy, savory touch that complements the tomato sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
- Olive oil (for sautéing): Delivers a fruity base for cooking onions and garlic.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to bake your ziti perfectly while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain and set aside because it’s about to soak up all that incredible sauce and cheese.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and let its aroma fill your kitchen before adding the beef.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step builds a rich foundation of flavor for your baked ziti.
Step 5: Simmer with Sauce and Herbs
Pour in the marinara sauce along with the dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully into a savory meat sauce.
Step 6: Mix the Cheeses
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season this creamy mixture lightly with salt and pepper to enhance its mild flavor.
Step 7: Assemble the Layers
Grab a large baking dish and start layering: first half of the cooked ziti, then half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan sprinkled generously on top.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Once out of the oven, let it rest 5 minutes for easier serving and enhanced flavor melding.
How to Serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a pop of green freshness that brightens each cheesy forkful. Don’t forget an extra dusting of grated Parmesan for a salty, nutty finish.
Side Dishes
This rich baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini that offer a welcome contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins straight from the oven to wow guests, or add a crunchy topping of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan to create a crispy crust that’s utterly addictive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your baked ziti to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days and taste just as comforting when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later day, this dish freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap or portion into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until bubbling, about 20 to 30 minutes. For refrigerated leftovers, microwave or oven heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or extra marinara if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Rigatoni or penne work great because their shapes also hold the sauce well, keeping each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure thing! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or add sautéed mushrooms and extra veggies to keep the hearty texture and rich taste.
What type of ricotta cheese is best?
Whole milk ricotta is ideal for its creamy texture and mild flavor, but part-skim ricotta can be a lighter option without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! Assemble all the layers, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook your pasta just to al dente, and avoid over-simmering it in the sauce before baking. This helps maintain a nice bite after baking and keeps the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe. It’s a dish that welcomes you home with its warm, cheesy layers and savory richness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or craving a cozy solo dinner, this recipe is sure to become one of your treasured go-tos. So grab your skillet and baking dish—great meals and tasty memories await!
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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Italian-American baked ziti combines tender pasta with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti casserole.
- Cook pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté onion: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook beef and garlic: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
- Simmer sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir until smooth.
- Assemble layers: In a large baking dish, start by layering half of the cooked pasta, then spread half of the meat sauce over it, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture.
- Add final cheese topping: Finish by generously sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top layer for a bubbly, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly browned edges.
- Rest and serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. This helps the layers hold together and enhances the flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or vegetables instead.
- You can prepare this dish ahead by assembling it and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
