Here’s a comforting and flavorful Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta recipe—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep! This hearty pasta bake is layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 35 mins | Total Time: 55 mins
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
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1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
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1 small onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade)
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for texture)
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Cheese Layers:
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1 lb ziti pasta (or penne/rigatoni)
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1 (15 oz) container whole-milk ricotta cheese
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1 large egg (helps bind the ricotta)
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook ziti al dente (1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
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Add onion and sauté until soft (3-4 mins). Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
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Pour in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper. Simmer 10 mins.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
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In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parsley, ½ cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti:
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In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
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Add half the cooked pasta, then spread all the ricotta mixture on top.
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Layer remaining pasta, then the rest of the meat sauce.
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Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake & Serve:
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Cover with foil and bake 20 mins.
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Uncover and bake 10-15 mins until bubbly and golden.
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Let rest 5-10 mins before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips & Variations:
🔥 Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of provolone or fontina under the mozzarella.
🍃 Lighter Option: Use part-skim ricotta and lean ground turkey.
🌶 Spicy Kick: Mix in ½ tsp cayenne pepper or use hot Italian sausage.
💡 Make Ahead: Assemble, refrigerate (up to 24 hrs), then bake (add 10 mins covered).
This Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleaser with its meaty, cheesy goodness! Let me know if you try it. 😊🍝