Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
A comforting meal that's hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound Ziti pasta
Meat
- 1 pound Ground beef
Sauce
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. You can also make this dish ahead of time and freeze it.