If you’re craving a comforting yet impressive dish that brings a smile with every bite, this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a cozy classic combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella—all layered together and baked to bubbling, golden perfection. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe delivers warm Italian-American flavors that feel both familiar and special, making every mealtime memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, staple ingredients sets the stage for an incredible baked ziti. Each element has its own role, from the hearty ground beef to the rich ricotta that adds creamy texture, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and colors.
- 1 pound ziti pasta: The tubular shape holds onto the sauce and cheese beautifully for every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and onion without sticking, adding a touch of richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: A flavorful protein base that brings savory depth to the dish.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed with the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and classic Italian flair.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: The tomato heart of the dish providing lively acidity and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the sauce with authentic Mediterranean notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients and balances the flavors perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that keeps the dish interesting.
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: Delivers creamy richness and softness to contrast the pasta and meat.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ricotta filling so it holds its shape when baked.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, creating irresistible cheesiness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, flavorful crust after baking.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the ziti pasta. Cook it until al dente—that perfect balance of tender with just a little bite—so it holds up nicely in the bake without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be layered with all the delicious ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is tender, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming oily. Then stir in minced garlic, the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld into that beautifully rich sauce you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
While the sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese and the large egg in a bowl. Mix them until smooth and creamy. The egg helps the ricotta maintain its soft yet structured texture when baked, making sure each bite is velvety and luxurious.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Start by layering half of the cooked ziti across the bottom of the dish. Spoon half the meat sauce over the pasta, then add dollops of half the ricotta mixture scattered evenly on top. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over everything. Repeat this layering one more time with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top to create that golden crust you’re dreaming of.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to avoid drying out during baking. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and that Parmesan topping turns golden brown. Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this will help the layers set a bit so it cuts beautifully!
How to Serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley is all you need to elevate the dish at the end. These bright, fresh herbs provide a lovely contrast to the rich, cheesy layers and add a visually appealing pop of green that invites everyone to dive in.
Side Dishes
Baked ziti is hearty on its own, so lighter sides work beautifully alongside. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread are fantastic partners that round out the meal without competing with the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in mini ramekins or cast-iron skillets straight from the oven—everyone loves their own personal gooey, cheesy casserole. Adding a drizzle of extra marinara or a dusting of Parmesan at the table brings a restaurant-worthy touch to your homemade classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked ziti tastes just as wonderful the next day. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors will continue to develop, making your next meal just as rewarding.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy days. Assemble the baked ziti but don’t bake it. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it covered directly from the freezer, adding some extra bake time until it’s heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep the moisture in, until warmed through—usually about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave portions on medium power in short intervals, stirring if possible, to maintain that perfect creamy texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional and its shape works wonderfully for holding sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni can be used as a tasty alternative.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the quantity of veggies or use a plant-based meat substitute to maintain that hearty feel.
Can I substitute ricotta cheese with something else?
You can replace ricotta with cottage cheese blended until smooth, though it will alter the texture slightly. For a richer option, cream cheese mixed with a little milk also works.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe isn’t spicy by default, but adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or including spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef will kick it up nicely.
Can I prepare this dish entirely ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the whole baked ziti, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy days or entertaining preparation.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a delicious hug on a plate. Its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese create a comforting feast everyone loves. I can’t recommend it enough as a go-to recipe for family dinners or when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back for seconds in no time!
Print
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted boiling water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix Ricotta: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and the egg, mixing thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti evenly in the bottom. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Dot with half of the ricotta mixture in small dollops. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking, making it a convenient meal prep option.
- For variety, substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
