This cozy baked ziti layers tender pasta, hearty ground beef, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melty cheese for a bubbly, golden-topped classic. It’s simple to prep, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better the next day.
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)
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, beef sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella. Mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let cool a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Variation
- Three-Cheese Vegetarian: Skip the beef and add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms and 1 cup spinach; increase ricotta to 1 1/2 cups.
- Spicy Arrabbiata: Use spicy marinara, add 1/2–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and swap half the mozzarella for provolone.
- Lighter Turkey Ziti: Replace beef with lean ground turkey and use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
Cooking Notes
- Drain the beef well so the sauce isn’t greasy and the casserole sets nicely.
- If your marinara is very thick, splash in 1/4 cup pasta water to help everything coat evenly.
- For extra browning, broil 1–2 minutes at the end watch closely.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlicky vinaigrette.
- Serve with garlic bread or toasted ciabatta for soaking up sauce.
- Add a simple side of roasted broccoli or green beans.
Tips
- Shred your own mozzarella for the best melt and less greasiness.
- Toss the drained pasta with a little sauce before mixing to prevent sticking.
- Make-ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 5–10 extra minutes to bake time. Freezer-friendly for up to 2 months.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking. - Do I need to cook the pasta fully?
No cook to al dente so it holds up during baking. - What pasta can I substitute for ziti?
Penne, rigatoni, or most short tubular pasta shapes work well. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Conclusion
Cozy, cheesy, and irresistibly saucy, this baked ziti with beef and ricotta is weeknight-easy yet dinner‑party worthy. Each bite layers tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, and a golden, melty crown. Make it ahead or freeze for later either way, it’s a comforting classic that brings everyone back for seconds.
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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This cozy baked ziti layers tender pasta, hearty ground beef, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melty cheese for a bubbly, golden-topped classic. It’s simple to prep, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, beef sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella. Mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let cool a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
- Salt pasta water generously (it should taste like the sea) for best flavor.
- Cook pasta to just al dente so it doesn’t soften too much in the oven.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: baked ziti, ground beef, ricotta, pasta bake, casserole, easy dinner, make ahead, family friendly