Baked Ziti with Ground Beef & Ricotta Recipe Ever-Made Delight

Zesty and comforting baked ziti promises a hearty meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

My kitchen often fills with mouthwatering aromas when this classic dish comes together.

Tender pasta nestles between layers of rich ground beef and creamy ricotta cheese.

Melted mozzarella creates a golden, bubbling surface that beckons hungry diners.

Weeknight dinners rarely get more satisfying than this simple yet impressive casserole.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients combine to deliver a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that feels both familiar and exciting.

You’ll want to savor each decadent, cheesy bite of this irresistible pasta bake.

What Makes Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta So Good

• Packed with ground beef, ricotta, and melted cheese, this dish delivers classic Italian-American flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates at dinnertime.
• Easily customize the recipe by adding vegetables, swapping meats, or adjusting cheese types to suit your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, offering convenience for meal planning and stress-free entertaining.

Pantry Must-Haves for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

• Ziti, Penne: Hearty pasta shapes that hold sauce well, classic choice for baked pasta dishes.

• Ground Beef: Meaty foundation providing rich flavor and protein, choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best taste.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and soft cheese adding smooth texture and mild flavor, whole milk variety recommended.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating stretchy golden top layer, shredded works best.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and crispy golden crust.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce bringing tangy, herbal flavor, use store-bought or homemade.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds subtle richness.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient providing robust flavor base.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste of dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
• Italian Herbs: Dried or fresh herb mix boosting traditional Italian flavor profile.

How to Put Together Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect warm environment for your delicious pasta dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the next delicious stage.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. Break the meat into small, appetizing crumbles as it cooks.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Diced onions
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and develop a rich, robust taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the meaty sauce, ensuring every piece is lovingly coated with the flavorful mixture.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

• Half of the pasta and sauce mixture
• Dollops of ricotta cheese
• Sprinkle of shredded mozzarella
• Repeat the layers

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden, bubbly top and edges that are slightly crispy.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Kitchen Know-How for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

• Pasta Perfection: Cook ziti or penne just until al dente to prevent mushy texture when baking.
• Smart Seasoning: Add garlic powder and Italian herbs to ground beef for extra flavor depth.
• Cheese Layer Magic: Mix ricotta with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for a richer, more complex cheese blend.
• Moisture Control: Let cooked pasta cool slightly before mixing with sauce to prevent watery casserole.
• Make-Ahead Mastermind: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.

Best Way to Store Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

• Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled ziti to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, preserving quality for up to 2 months.
• Restore crispy edges by covering with foil and warming at 350F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the center reaches 165F for food safety.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until steaming hot.

Sips and Sides for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

• Choose a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich beef and tomato sauce, cutting through the creamy ricotta with its acidic notes.
• Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty, cheesy pasta dish.
• Warm, crusty garlic bread provides the perfect crunchy side to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra flavor to the meal.
• Prepare a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to add nutritious, caramelized vegetables that contrast the creamy pasta texture.

Unique Versions of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

• Vegetarian Ziti: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meatless version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free ziti or penne made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the classic Italian casserole texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap ricotta cheese with tofu or cashew cream and use dairy-free mozzarella to create a suitable recipe for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Baked Ziti With Ground Beef And Ricotta Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta delivers a comforting Italian-American classic straight from home kitchens. Layered with rich marinara, melted cheese, and savory beef, this dish promises a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 egg

Pasta and Cheese:

• 400 g (14 oz) ziti or penne pasta
• 250 g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Other Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (700 ml / 24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375F, preparing a welcoming environment for your hearty pasta dish.
2. Fill a spacious pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Submerge the ziti pasta into the bubbling water, allowing it to cook until achieving a perfect al dente texture, following the package’s recommended timing.
4. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, letting excess water cascade away, then set the cooked noodles aside.
5. In a robust skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly fragments as it sizzles and caramelizes.
6. Incorporate minced garlic and diced onions into the meat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop a rich, aromatic base.
7. Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture, allowing the flavors to meld and simmer gently for several minutes.
8. Blend ricotta cheese with chopped parsley, creating a creamy and herbaceous filling that will add luxurious texture to the dish.
9. Layer the journey in a generously sized baking dish: first spread a thin coating of meat sauce, then arrange a bed of cooked pasta.
10. Dollop ricotta mixture across the pasta, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
11. Repeat layering process, ensuring each component is evenly distributed for maximum flavor integration.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective shield during initial baking.
13. Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 25 minutes.
14. Remove foil during the final 10 minutes of cooking to encourage a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping.
15. Extract the bubbling, aromatic ziti from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and dish to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Choose a hearty ground beef with at least 15% fat content for maximum flavor and juiciness in the dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version that maintains similar texture and protein levels.
• Drain excess fat from the beef after browning to reduce overall dish calories without compromising taste.
• For a gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free ziti or penne pasta and ensure all other ingredients like marinara sauce are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 605
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg