Hearty Baked Ziti With Ground Beef And Ricotta Recipe Magic

Crafting a delectable baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta promises a comforting meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese create a hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Robust flavors mingle beautifully in this classic Italian-American casserole.

Marinara and ricotta blend seamlessly, adding depth to each forkful.

Melted mozzarella creates a golden, crispy top that beckons you to dig in.

Simple ingredients come together in a symphony of taste and texture.

You’ll love how quickly this crowd-pleasing recipe comes together in one pan.

Warm, cheesy, and utterly irresistible – this baked ziti is calling your name.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Goodness

• Craft Layers of Flavor: Blend ground beef, marinara sauce, and a creamy ricotta mixture for a mouthwatering combination that delivers rich, complex tastes in every bite.
• Simplify Family Dinner: This one-pan casserole creates a hearty meal that pleases everyone, from kids to adults, with its familiar and comforting Italian-inspired ingredients.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy households and planned dinners throughout the week.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra vegetables, or adjust spice levels to match your family's preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Hearty Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: A classic tubular pasta that perfectly holds onto the rich meat sauce.

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor to the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory base for the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Enhances the sauce's texture and adds bright tomato flavor.
• Oregano, Basil: Herb seasonings that bring authentic Italian herb notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle spicy kick.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds a smooth, rich texture to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy cheese topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth to the cheese mixture.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Parsley or Basil: Optional fresh herb garnish that adds a bright finish.

How to Bake Ziti with Beef and Ricotta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook ziti in salted water until tender. The pasta should be slightly firm when you bite into it, known as al dente.

Drain and set aside, letting the pasta cool slightly while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Brown Beef and Build Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Add ground beef and cook until completely browned. Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.

Drain any excess fat. Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle herbs like oregano and basil.

Let the sauce simmer and develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375F.

Grease a baking dish. Mix cooked pasta with meat sauce.

Create first layer of pasta mixture in the dish. Spread ricotta blend across the top.

Add remaining pasta, creating a beautiful layered effect.

Step 5: Melt and Bake

Sprinkle additional mozzarella over the top.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from oven. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley.

Serve alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Ziti Every Time

• Cook ziti just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a nice bite in the final dish.
• Drain excess beef fat after cooking to keep the ziti lighter and less greasy.
• Spread ricotta mixture gently to create delicious pockets of creamy cheese throughout the dish.
• Cover with foil initially to prevent cheese from burning and ensure even heating.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil just before serving to add a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Variations to Try on Baked Ziti

• Mediterranean Veggie Ziti: Replace ground beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Add crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Chorizo Ziti: Substitute ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage. Incorporate diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Chicken Alfredo Ziti: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef. Replace marinara sauce with creamy Alfredo sauce. Mix in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for added depth.
• Seafood Ziti: Swap ground beef with a mix of shrimp and crab meat. Use white wine and garlic butter sauce. Top with fresh parsley and lemon zest for brightness.

Pairings That Go Well with Baked Ziti

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty ziti with a robust Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the creamy cheese and balances the hearty beef flavors.
• Create Fresh Salad Contrast: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the heavy, comforting pasta dish, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve crusty, herb-infused garlic bread alongside the ziti to soak up extra sauce and add a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Select Italian Appetizer: Start the meal with classic bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, which echoes the marinara sauce's flavors and primes the taste buds for the main course.

Storing Baked Ziti to Keep It Fresh

• Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled ziti to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal securely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any similar tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

• How can I make the dish less spicy?

Simply omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to control the heat level according to your preference.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ziti completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Baked Ziti With Ground Beef And Ricotta Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta delivers comfort on a plate, blending Italian-American flavors into one irresistible casserole. Melted cheese, savory meat, and creamy ricotta promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Pasta and Meat:

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
• 1 pound ground beef

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs, Spices, and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Boil ziti pasta in salted water for 8-9 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart while cooking until completely browned, approximately 7-8 minutes.
6. Eliminate excess fat from the beef, then incorporate marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
7. Season the meat sauce with salt and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes to develop robust flavors.
8. In a separate bowl, blend ricotta cheese with mozzarella and Parmesan, seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Thoroughly mix cooked pasta with meat sauce in a large bowl.
10. Layer half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
11. Distribute ricotta mixture across the first pasta layer using gentle spoonfuls.
12. Cover with remaining pasta mixture, ensuring uniform coverage.
13. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
14. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
15. Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
16. Allow ziti to rest 5 minutes before serving.
17. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve alongside garlic bread and green salad.

Notes

• Cook ziti exactly 8-9 minutes to maintain ideal al dente texture without becoming mushy.
• Drain excess beef fat to prevent greasy dish and keep sauce clean and appetizing.
• Gently spread ricotta mixture to ensure even layers and consistent flavor in every bite.
• Prepare entire dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg