Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Ah, Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta—if there’s a dish that screams “comfort food,” this is it! Imagine a plate of ziti pasta, tender and hearty, coated in a savory marinara sauce, topped with a cheesy, golden-brown crust, and stuffed with a rich layer of ricotta and ground beef. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering smells and makes everyone gather around the table with big, eager smiles. Perfect for a family dinner, a weekend get-together, or when you just need something cozy to warm you up, this baked ziti recipe will become your new favorite go-to. Trust me, once you dig in, you’ll know exactly why it’s a classic!

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

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

• Comforting and Hearty: The combination of ziti, ground beef, ricotta, and marinara sauce is as satisfying as it gets. It’s the perfect meal when you want something cozy and filling.
• Cheesy Perfection: Between the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, every bite is a cheesy, saucy dream come true.
• One-Pan Wonder: This baked ziti comes together in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Less time scrubbing pots, more time enjoying your meal!
• Quick and Easy: It’s simple to throw together, and while it’s baking, you can relax and let the oven do the work. A delicious meal with minimal fuss.
• Family-Approved: The flavors are familiar and comforting, making it a big hit with everyone from picky eaters to grown-up foodies.

Ingredients in Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Let’s talk about the ingredients that come together to make this baked ziti the best thing to ever come out of your oven:

Ziti Pasta:

The classic pasta for this dish! Ziti is sturdy enough to hold up to the thick marinara sauce and cheesy layers, making each bite satisfying.

Ground Beef:

This is the meaty base that gives the dish its richness. The ground beef takes on the flavor of the marinara sauce and gives a hearty, savory depth to the dish.

Marinara Sauce:

The sauce is the backbone of this dish. You want a good-quality marinara that’s rich in flavor. You could even use a homemade sauce if you’re feeling extra!

Ricotta Cheese:

This creamy cheese is what makes this baked ziti extra indulgent. It adds moisture and a slight tang, balancing the richness of the beef and the melty mozzarella.

Mozzarella Cheese:

The cheese that turns this dish into a gooey, cheesy masterpiece. Mozzarella gets all melty and bubbly in the oven, creating that perfect crust on top.

Parmesan Cheese:

A finishing touch that adds a little extra sharpness and flavor. It complements the mozzarella and rounds out the cheesy goodness.

Onion and Garlic:

These aromatic ingredients form the base of the sauce, bringing out a savory depth of flavor and making your kitchen smell divine as they cook.

Olive Oil:

To sauté the onions and garlic, a bit of olive oil does the job perfectly, giving the dish richness without being overwhelming.

Dried Oregano and Basil:

These herbs are the flavor backbone of any Italian dish, adding that classic savory taste that works wonders with the marinara sauce and ground beef.

Salt and Pepper:

For seasoning the dish to perfection. A little salt and pepper goes a long way to elevate the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredient list and measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to dig into this cheesy, meaty, saucy goodness? Here’s how to make it:

Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot for that golden, bubbly top.

Cook the Ziti Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the ziti according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cook the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the Marinara Sauce:

Pour in your marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Mix the Ricotta:

In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

In a large bowl, toss the cooked ziti pasta with the beef sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.

Layer in the Baking Dish:

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the ziti pasta mixture. Then, spread half of the ricotta mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta and ricotta layers.

Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the dish.

Bake:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 28g
Vitamin D: 1mcg
Calcium: 350mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 500mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

This dish is a meal in itself, but here are a few ways to make it even better:

• Garlic Bread: Nothing goes better with baked ziti than a few slices of warm, buttered garlic bread. It’s perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Pair the richness of the ziti with a refreshing salad. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the heaviness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or zucchini, complement the ziti beautifully and add a bit of color and texture to the plate.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the baked ziti a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes wonderfully. Just prepare it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking for an extra gooey, cheesy crust.
• Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or another veggie of your choice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer. Just make sure it’s a hearty pasta that can hold up to the sauce.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble it the day before, refrigerate, and then bake when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze baked ziti?
A3: Yes, baked ziti freezes wonderfully! Just wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and it’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Q4: How do I reheat baked ziti?
A4: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings.

Q5: Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?
A5: Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, sausage, or even plant-based meat for a different flavor profile.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to the baked ziti?
A6: Absolutely! You can add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q7: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A7: Yes, just use gluten-free pasta to make the entire dish gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

Q8: Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
A8: Of course! Homemade marinara adds an extra layer of flavor and can be tailored to your tastes.

Q9: Can I make this without ricotta?
A9: If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or skip it altogether and just use extra mozzarella.

Q10: How long will leftovers last?
A10: Leftovers will last 3-4 days in the fridge, and they taste just as good the next day!

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is the epitome of comfort food: rich, cheesy, and just bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will always hit the spot. So grab your apron, get your ingredients, and dive into this cheesy, meaty masterpiece—you’re going to love every bite!

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