Cozy Comfort: Hearty Baked Ziti With Ground Beef And Ricotta Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this ground beef ziti that combines rich, melted cheeses and savory meat.

Layers of pasta burst with robust flavors and creamy textures.

Ricotta cheese adds a silky smoothness to each delectable bite.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef mingles with marinara sauce, creating a mouthwatering blend of ingredients.

Bubbling cheese and golden-brown edges promise a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious and inviting.

This ziti will become your new go-to recipe for hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ziti or penne work best, you can substitute with similar tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni or mostaccioli.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to maintain the dish’s heartiness.

• How can I make the ziti more flavorful?

Try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano, using a robust marinara sauce, or incorporating garlic and red pepper flakes during the cooking process for extra depth of flavor.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the ziti up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 605 kcal

Servings: 6

Baked Ziti Ingredient List

• Ziti or Penne: Classic Italian pasta shape perfect for hearty baked dishes, choose a sturdy brand that holds sauce well.

• Ground Beef: Rich and meaty protein that adds depth, select lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that creates luxurious smoothness and binding, look for fresh, smooth consistency.

• Marinara Sauce: Vibrant tomato sauce that brings tangy sweetness, opt for high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic allium that intensifies overall flavor profile, choose fresh cloves for most robust taste.
• Onion: Provides savory undertone and natural sweetness, select firm, fragrant yellow or white onions.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb that adds earthy Mediterranean notes, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors, use fine kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning that complements beef, grind fresh for maximum flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy cheese that creates golden brown crust, select whole milk variety for richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds nutty complexity, grate fresh for most intense flavor.

What You’ll Need for Cheesy Beef Ziti

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Ideal for layering and baking ziti.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and mixing sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring meat and sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping ingredients if needed.

Layer Ziti with Ricotta and Sauce Like a Pro

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the heat to a toasty 375F and get ready for some serious comfort food.

• Boil and Prep the Pasta

Toss your ziti into a rolling boil of salted water. Cook until perfectly tender, then drain and let it hang out while you work your culinary.

• Brown the Meat

Sizzle the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles. Season with salt and pepper, letting those flavors develop until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown.

• Create the Sauce Sensation

Splash in some marinara and let it mingle with the beef. Stir in garlic and herbs to amp up the flavor profile, creating a sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Layer the Deliciousness

Grab a baking dish and start building your ziti masterpiece. Spread a layer of meaty sauce, then sprinkle in some creamy ricotta. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything together.

• Cheese It Up

Shower the top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan. These cheese layers will create a golden, bubbly crown that screams comfort food.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for a top that’s gloriously golden and cheese that’s melted into bubbling submission.

• Rest and Serve

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes cutting a breeze. Serve up this crowd-pleasing dish and watch everyone dig in!

Tips That Keep the Pasta from Drying Out

• Use high-quality ziti or penne pasta for the best texture and flavor absorption in this classic baked dish.
• Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter, tangier alternative that still provides creamy richness.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free ziti or penne to make this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant for a meat-free version that's just as satisfying.

Serve Hot with Garlic Bread

• Hearty Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this baked ziti as the star of your family meal, accompanied by a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette for a balanced plate.
• Rustic Side Companions: Pair with garlic bread or toasted crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to your dining experience.
• Veggie Boost Suggestion: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to enhance nutritional value and provide a colorful complement to the rich pasta dish.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to beautifully match the robust flavors of the ground beef and tomato sauce.

Store for Easy Reheats Later

• Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce to restore moisture. For larger portions, reheat in a 350F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Divide the baked ziti into single-serving containers right after cooking. This makes grab-and-go lunches easier and helps prevent overconsumption while keeping the pasta fresh and appetizing.

Hearty Baked Ziti With Ground Beef And Ricotta Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta combines hearty pasta with rich Italian-American flavors. Cheesy layers of comfort promise a satisfying meal that brings family together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (500 g) ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz / 700 ml) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
• 14 oz (400 g) ziti or penne pasta
• 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the ziti casserole.
2. Pasta Perfection: Boil salted water and cook ziti until al dente, then drain thoroughly, setting aside the cooked pasta.
3. Meat Foundation: In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into fine crumbles while developing a rich caramelized surface.
4. Flavor Building: Sauté garlic and onions with the beef, then introduce marinara sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors completely.
5. Cheese Fusion: Combine ricotta with fresh parsley, creating a creamy herb-infused mixture for layering.
6. Layering Technique: Begin with a thin sauce base in the baking dish, then alternately layer pasta, meat sauce, ricotta blend, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
7. Baking Process: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp cheese topping.
8. Resting Stage: Remove from oven and allow the ziti to rest for 10 minutes, letting the flavors harmonize and the dish settle before serving.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook ziti exactly al dente to prevent mushiness, as it will continue cooking in the oven during baking.
• Meat Moisture Management: Drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Cheese Layering Strategy: Distribute ricotta and mozzarella evenly to create consistent texture and prevent dry or overly dense sections in the casserole.
• Temperature Control Technique: Let the dish rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and make cutting and serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg