Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food, and this recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of ground beef and creamy ricotta cheese. The pasta is layered with a savory tomato sauce, perfectly cooked ground beef, and a melty blend of mozzarella and ricotta, all baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the perfect dish for a crowd, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to satisfy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or any tube-shaped pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Cook the ground beef:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. - Brown the beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. - Make the sauce:
Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce on low for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. - Prepare the ricotta mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. - Assemble the baked ziti:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Stir to combine. - Layer the ziti:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture on the bottom. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. - Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Add vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, sauté some bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach and add them to the meat sauce.
- Make ahead: You can prepare this dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it for an additional 5–10 minutes to heat through.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Assemble the ziti, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a perfect comfort dish that combines rich flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, this hearty pasta bake will surely please everyone at the table. Enjoy the satisfying layers of pasta, beef, and cheese in this delicious, crowd-pleasing meal!
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
This hearty and cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a family-friendly comfort dish. Layers of pasta, savory beef, and rich ricotta come together in a deliciously satisfying meal!
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta or any tube-shaped pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Brown the beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the sauce:
- Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce on low for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture:
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the baked ziti:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
- Layer the ziti:
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture on the bottom. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Leave a Reply