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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

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This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish with rich marinara sauce and layers of creamy ricotta cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it combines classic Italian flavors in one hearty casserole. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for the ultimate meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  1. 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne)
  2. 1 lb ground beef
  3. 1 medium onion, chopped
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
  6. 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (optional, for extra sauce)
  7. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  8. 1 teaspoon dried basil
  9. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  10. Salt and pepper, to taste
  11. 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  12. 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  13. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  14. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.

  • Cook the Ground Beef:
    In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
    Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
    Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
    Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes).
    Drain any excess fat from the beef, if necessary.
    Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes (if using), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

  • Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
    In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

  • Assemble the Ziti:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.
    Add half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
    Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then use a spoon to gently spread it out so it’s evenly distributed.
    Top with the remaining pasta mixture and spread it out evenly.

  • Top with Mozzarella and Bake:
    Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ziti.
    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 bubbly and golden brown.

  • Garnish and Serve:
    Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
    Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, if desired.

    Serve your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a variation of flavors.
  • Make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • For a lighter version, consider using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
  • You can add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/baked-ziti-with-ground-beef-and-ricotta/