Name: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 pound lean ground beef; 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 24 oz marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is like a warm hug in a casserole dish, oozing with cheesy goodness and rich flavors that dance on your taste buds. Imagine layers of pasta nestled between hearty ground beef, creamy ricotta, and bubbling marinara sauce, all topped with a golden crust of melted cheese that beckons you to dive in. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

Growing up, my mom made baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta every Sunday, filling our home with irresistible aromas that would have even the neighbors knocking on our door. It was the kind of comfort food that brought everyone together, making ordinary days feel special. Whether it was a rainy day or a festive gathering, this dish was always the star of the show—guaranteed to evoke smiles and second helpings from everyone at the table!

Why You'll Love This baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta

This incredible baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta:

Ziti Pasta: About 1 pound of ziti pasta is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option while keeping all those meaty flavors intact.
Ricotta Cheese: The star of creaminess! Opt for whole milk ricotta for an extra rich texture.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade; just make sure it’s full of flavor!

For the Topping:

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: About 2 cups will create that gooey top layer we all love.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle on top adds an extra touch of flavor and sophistication.

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

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving that golden cheese topping we all dream about.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add marinara sauce to the skillet and mix well.

Step 4: Mix Ricotta

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and half of your parmesan cheese. This will be your secret creamy layer!

Step 5: Assemble

In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti followed by half of the meat sauce mixture. Top it off with half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers until everything is used up.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top along with remaining parmesan cheese.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Pop it in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

And there you have it! You’ve just created an extraordinary baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta that’ll have everyone begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Trust me; this dish is so good it might just cause spontaneous family gatherings!

You Must Know About baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta

This showstopping baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet until it’s fully cooked. Meanwhile, boil the pasta until al dente and prepare your ricotta cheese mixture. Assemble everything in layers before baking for that gooey perfection.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey for a leaner option. Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition, or spice it up with red pepper flakes for a kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring that cheesy goodness stays intact.

Chef's Helpful Tips for baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta

This professional-quality baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sharing this dish at my family gathering was a game changer; everyone went back for seconds! My cousin even claimed it was better than his favorite Italian restaurant!

FAQs

What is baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta?

Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is a classic Italian-American dish that combines pasta, meat, and cheese for a hearty meal. It features ziti pasta tossed in a rich tomato sauce, layered with seasoned ground beef and creamy ricotta cheese. This comforting casserole is then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, as it serves multiple people easily. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a favorite among many.

How do you make baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta?

To make baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta, start by cooking the ziti according to package instructions. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet, adding onions and garlic for flavor. Combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella in a large baking dish. Layer everything evenly before topping it with extra cheese. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Can I use other types of meat in baked ziti?

Yes! While the traditional recipe often uses ground beef, you can easily substitute it with other meats like turkey, chicken, or even sausage. Additionally, if you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat entirely or replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Each variation brings its own unique flavor profile to the baked ziti while still maintaining its comforting essence.

What goes well with baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta?

Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. A fresh garden salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole perfectly. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are also popular choices for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. For an Italian touch, consider serving it alongside steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to add some color and nutrition to your meal.

Conclusion

In summary, baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is an easy-to-make yet satisfying dish that pleases everyone at the table. With layers of pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheese all brought together in one comforting casserole, it’s no wonder this recipe remains a beloved classic in many households. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this delicious meal is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try making it your own!