Name: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne); 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce); 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (optional, for extra sauce); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Hey there, food lover! If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and totally comforting, I’ve got the perfect dish for you: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta. This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug for your soul—cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. Trust me, once you dig into that cheesy layer on top and take a bite of that perfectly baked pasta, you’re going to be hooked. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over again. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back every step of the way! This one’s a game-changer, I promise.

Why You’ll Love Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

This baked ziti isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect balance of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, all baked together into a bubbly masterpiece. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or throwing together a quick and easy weeknight meal, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Plus, you can even bring it to a potluck, and watch everyone ask for the recipe!
Budget-Friendly: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge. Ground beef, ricotta, and ziti pasta are all simple, affordable ingredients that come together in such a delicious way.
Quick and Easy: Don’t let the “baked” part fool you—this is a simple, no-fuss recipe that anyone can make. Prep it, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen.
Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Go for it! You can sneak in some spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers if you like. Want it a little spicier? A dash of red pepper flakes will do the trick!
Crowd-Pleasing: This is one of those dishes that everyone at the table can agree on. Kids, adults—everyone loves cheesy, meaty pasta, and this one does not disappoint.

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Ingredients in Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few everyday ingredients, but when combined, they create a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds:

Ground Beef:

The meaty goodness that forms the base of the rich, savory sauce. As it cooks with the garlic, onions, and seasonings, it becomes the flavor-packed heart of the dish.

Ziti Pasta:

The pasta is the vessel for all the sauce, cheese, and goodness. Ziti is perfect for this—its shape holds up well and scoops up just the right amount of sauce.

Ricotta Cheese:

The creamy ricotta is the secret ingredient that makes this dish extra special. It gives that lush, melt-in-your-mouth texture between layers, contrasting beautifully with the hearty sauce.

Marinara Sauce:

This is the sauce that brings everything together. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and full of depth. You can even use your favorite store-bought brand to save time!

Mozzarella Cheese:

Melty, gooey mozzarella—because, let’s be honest, what’s baked pasta without cheese?

Parmesan Cheese:

A sprinkling of parmesan on top before baking gives that irresistible crispy, golden finish that adds a little extra zing.

Garlic and Onion:

The aromatics that create a base layer of flavor. They really help bring out the richness in the sauce.

Italian Seasoning:

A fragrant mix of herbs that adds the classic Italian touch to the whole dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece!

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures the dish bakes evenly and becomes perfectly golden on top.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic once the beef is cooked through. Stir everything together and let it cook until the onions soften and become fragrant.

3. Add the Marinara Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes, so the flavors have a chance to meld together. The sauce should be thick and fragrant.

4. Cook the Ziti

While the sauce simmers, cook the ziti pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. Assemble the Dish

Now, the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Mix it all together so the pasta gets coated in that cheesy goodness. Add a generous scoop of the meat sauce to the mix and give it a gentle toss.

6. Layer and Bake

In a greased baking dish, layer the pasta mixture with more of the marinara sauce. Top it with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle on some parmesan. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

7. Let It Cool

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This gives the dish time to set, and you’ll avoid burning your mouth on that delicious cheesy goodness.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for a little extra flair. Trust me, this will be a hit!

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these tasty sides:

Fresh Salad

Pair it with a crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing balance to the rich pasta.

Crusty Garlic Bread

Serve it with some warm, crunchy garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to have extra!

Roasted Vegetables

Add some roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for a nutritious side that complements the hearty pasta.

A Simple Side of Olives

A small bowl of olives works wonders as a tangy contrast to the richness of the ziti.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can prep the sauce and cook the pasta a day before to save time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
Spice It Up: Add a little crushed red pepper if you like some heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or try a dairy-free ricotta for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the cheese nice and melty.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?

A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat in the oven for best results.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?

A3: Absolutely! Freeze it after baking, and it’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Q4: What side dishes go well with this recipe?

A4: A light salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies all pair beautifully with this baked ziti.

Conclusion

There you have it—Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to dig into something seriously delicious. Bon appétit!