Let’s talk comfort food the kind that fills your kitchen with warm, garlicky aromas and brings everyone running to the table. This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is that dish. It’s cozy, cheesy, and layered with flavor in every bite. We’re talking perfectly cooked pasta tossed in rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and a gooey blanket of melty cheese on top. It’s like a hug in casserole form. If you love lasagna but want something a little quicker and easier, trust me this baked ziti is the move.

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

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or prepping ahead for busy days.
Budget-Friendly: A hearty, filling meal using affordable pantry and fridge staples.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps with big results you don’t need to be a chef to pull this off.
Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the meat, or use your favorite pasta sauce.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

This dish keeps it classic with layers of pasta, meat, and cheese but each element plays a key role. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ziti Pasta: Short, tube-shaped pasta perfect for soaking up sauce and holding all that cheesy goodness.
Ground Beef: Adds a rich, savory bite that gives the casserole its hearty base.
Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy, and slightly sweet it creates that signature Italian lasagna-style texture.
Marinara Sauce: Go homemade or store-bought just make sure it’s flavorful and robust.
Shredded Mozzarella: For that beautiful melted cheese top that stretches when you lift a forkful.
Grated Parmesan: Brings salty, nutty depth to the dish.
Garlic and Onion: Build the flavor base when sautéed with the beef.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Simple spices that bring the whole dish together.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness on top.

(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:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Combine Ingredients: Boil the ziti pasta until just al dente. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Drain the pasta and add it to a large bowl. Mix with half the marinara sauce and half the cooked beef.

Assemble the Dish: Spread a layer of the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Spoon dollops of ricotta over the top, then sprinkle with a bit of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layering until all components are used up, finishing with extra sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Cook to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Finishing Touches: Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serve and Enjoy: Spoon generous portions onto plates and serve warm. Bonus points if there’s garlic bread on the side!

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 460

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or warm focaccia makes the perfect cheesy-saucy mop-up tool.
• Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for a balanced meal.
• A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Zinfandel, complements the richness beautifully.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Letting the dish rest before serving is key to those neat, satisfying slices.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
• Make it ahead of time and refrigerate just bake when ready to eat.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the ziti, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely. Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.

3. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, though ricotta has a creamier texture. Blend the cottage cheese for a smoother result.

4. What’s the best pasta substitute for ziti?
Penne or rigatoni work just as well anything tube-shaped will hold the sauce nicely.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Omit the beef and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty veggie version.

6. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Cover with foil while baking and remove it toward the end for a golden finish.

7. What kind of sauce should I use?
A thick, flavorful marinara or meat sauce works best avoid anything too watery.

8. Can I add more cheese?
Always! A layer of provolone or fontina can take it to the next level.

9. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Cover and bake in the oven, or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

10. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just cook it carefully so it doesn’t fall apart when baked.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is the ultimate comfort classic cheesy, saucy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or just craving something cozy and delicious, this dish delivers every time. Make it once and you’ll see it’s not just dinner, it’s a warm, baked tray of love.

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