When it comes to easy, hearty, and crowd-pleasing dinners, baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta deserves a spot at the top of your list. This Italian-American classic is the perfect combination of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a big family, hosting a potluck, or just craving something warm and filling, this recipe checks all the boxes.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making baked ziti from scratch — from the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, expert tips, storage hacks, and even fun variations. By the end, you’ll be ready to make the best baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy ricotta, savory beef, and melty cheese make this dish irresistible.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead, refrigerate, and just bake when you’re ready.
- Budget-Friendly & Family-Friendly: Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the sauce, meat, or cheese to your taste.
Ingredients for the Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne as a substitute)
- 1 pound ground beef (lean, about 85/15)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or homemade spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg (helps bind the ricotta mixture)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make the perfect baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
3. Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and half the mozzarella.
- Spoon more sauce over the top.
- Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella.
Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a golden cheesy crust.
5. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
Tips for Making Perfect Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It will continue cooking in the oven, so keep it slightly firm.
- Use Fresh Ricotta: It makes the filling creamier and more flavorful.
- Mix Some Sauce with Pasta: Tossing the cooked pasta with a little sauce before layering keeps everything from drying out.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded mozzarella contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as well.
Variations to Try
Want to change things up? Here are a few delicious twists:
- Spicy Baked Ziti: Use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Extra Cheesy Ziti: Mix some mozzarella into the ricotta layer for an even creamier bite.
- White Baked Ziti: Swap marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce for a creamy, indulgent twist.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
Pair your baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A crisp Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad
- Roasted vegetables or sautéed green beans
- A glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully)
Storage and Reheating
This dish is perfect for leftovers!
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Assemble, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of ground beef and ricotta makes this baked ziti extra satisfying. The beef provides a hearty, savory base, while the ricotta brings a creamy, rich layer that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Baking everything together allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a comforting, restaurant-quality pasta bake you can make at home.
Final Thoughts
Baked ziti is more than just a casserole — it’s a warm hug in the form of pasta. This baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. Once you try this recipe, it just might become a regular on your dinner rotation.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, beefy, irresistible plate of baked ziti tonight!