Name: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ziti pasta; 1 pound Ground beef; 2 cups Marinara sauce; 1 cup Ricotta cheese; 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 1 medium Onion, chopped; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Craving a comforting meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and brings everyone to the table with a smile? Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is always a winning choice. With its bubbling layers of melted cheese, savory beef, and tender pasta blanketed in a luscious tomato sauce, this classic baked pasta delivers big flavor with minimal effort. I still remember the first time I made baked ziti for my family – everyone kept coming back for seconds! Beyond being delicious, this is the kind of weeknight dinner you can pull together even when life gets busy. It’s a one-dish wonder that also tastes great the next day, making it a meal prep superstar. Think of it as a cozier, fuss-free cousin to our ever-popular Classic Lasagna Roll-Ups – if you love that recipe, you’ll adore this one, too. Get ready for a dish that will soon become a staple in your kitchen!

What is Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta?

Let’s break down that delightful name: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta. Sounds fancy, right? But don’t worry—it’s as approachable as your favorite pair of pajamas. Ziti is just a fun-shaped pasta (think penne’s chubby cousin), and when it’s “baked,” you know it’s going to be golden and gooey. Add in some savory ground beef and creamy ricotta for extra heartiness. Why is it called baked ziti? Maybe because “Cheesy Pasta Casserole of Happiness” was just too long! As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but truthfully, this one’s sure to win everyone over. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

First, the star of this dish is its irresistible combination of creamy ricotta, savory beef, and bubbly, melty cheese that makes every bite memorable. Not only is this baked ziti deeply satisfying, it’s a money-saver, too: making it at home lets you enjoy restaurant-quality comfort food for a fraction of the cost. You also have full control over the ingredients and toppings, from generous layers of mozzarella and Parmesan to a sprinkle of basil to freshen things up. Every spoonful is full of robust flavor and homestyle goodness. If you’re a fan of my Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake (a blog favorite), this pasta bake will hit all the right notes in a slightly bolder, beefier way. Don’t just take my word for it—gather your family and treat them to this delicious experience tonight!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a true weeknight champion: it’s easy to assemble, full of comforting flavors, and perfect for feeding a crowd. With simple ingredients and a hands-off baking process, you can have a mouthwatering, cheesy pasta dish ready in about an hour—most of that time is hands-free while it bakes to bubbly perfection. The result? A layered, sliceable casserole with creamy sauce and a golden, melty cheese topping that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic together. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the beef and sauce mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
Pour this mixture into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, followed by the grated Parmesan.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Let the baked ziti cool slightly before serving. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

What to Serve With

Pair your baked ziti with a crisp caesar or garden salad for a refreshing crunch. Garlic bread or homemade focaccia makes a heavenly companion, perfect for scooping up extra sauce. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving sautéed green beans, roasted broccoli, or steamed asparagus on the side. To drink, a light Italian red wine or sparkling lemonade complements the dish beautifully. And don’t forget, a simple bowl of mixed fruit or classic tiramisu makes an ideal finish!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Ingredient swaps: Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for ground beef if you like.
Cheese choices: Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella for a lighter version, or blend in provolone for extra richness.
Avoid overcooking: Be sure to cook the ziti until just al dente; overcooked pasta can become mushy after baking.
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Saucy goodness: If you like it extra saucy, add another half cup of marinara before baking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Let the leftover baked ziti cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed to keep it moist. Individual portions can be microwaved on medium heat until hot. For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole dish (well-wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as above.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of ziti?

Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni are great alternatives and hold the sauce and cheese just as well.

Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

Ricotta cheese adds creaminess but you can substitute cottage cheese, mascarpone, or even a mix of cream cheese and Parmesan for a similar effect.

Can I make this ahead and freeze it?

Yes, baked ziti freezes well either before or after baking. Wrap tightly, freeze, and bake straight from frozen (just add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time).

How can I make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a tasty vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil?

Spray the underside of the foil with a little nonstick spray before covering the dish, or use parchment paper beneath the foil.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole for busy nights, family gatherings, and everything in between. With its cozy layers of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Not only is it straightforward to make, but it’s also budget-friendly, versatile, and ideal for prepping ahead. Give this dish a try and watch it become a go-to classic in your home, just like it has in mine. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!