Print

Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

A generous slice of baked ziti, layered with meat sauce and melted cheese, being lifted from the pan with a cheese pull.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this hearty, cheesy baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta for a satisfying Italian comfort food casserole that is simple enough for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  7. In the large skillet with the meat sauce, stir in the cooked ziti until the pasta is coated.
  8. Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the sauce layer. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
  9. Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the top, and finish by sprinkling with the remaining mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
  11. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • You can prepare this Italian casserole recipe ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the ground beef with Italian sausage.
  • Serve this hearty pasta bake with a simple green salad and cheesy garlic bread for a complete family dinner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/ultimate-cheesy-baked-ziti-recipe/