Name: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ¾ pound dry ziti or rigatoni pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 1 teaspoon dried no-salt added Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade marinara); 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided; Chopped fresh basil or parsley

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

If you're craving a comforting, cheesy, and hearty pasta dish that feels like a warm hug from your oven, this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines perfectly cooked ziti with a rich homemade meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses that bake together to create irresistible layers of flavor and texture. Every bite strikes the ideal balance between robust Italian-seasoned beef and smooth, cheesy goodness, making this dish an unforgettable meal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows an arrangement of ingredients on a white marbled surface, including a white bowl of yellow uncooked pasta tubes positioned top right, a white bowl with creamy ricotta cheese bottom right, and a white bowl with shredded white cheese top left. Below the shredded cheese is a white bowl of diced onions. A square block of red raw ground meat rests on parchment paper towards the bottom left. Several small white bowls hold grated cheese, finely chopped garlic, an egg, and seasoning spices including dried herbs and red pepper flakes, spread around the center. A glass measuring cup with bright red tomato sauce and a small glass bowl of olive oil complete the setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender pasta that soaks up flavor, to the savory meat sauce that brings warmth, and the cheeses that add creaminess and that golden crust we all adore.

¾ pound dry ziti or rigatoni pasta: tubular pasta is perfect for holding onto sauce and cheese in every bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil: adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic beautifully.
½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped: offers sweetness and depth when sautéed.
3 cloves garlic, minced: brings an aromatic punch that elevates the meat sauce.
1 pound lean ground beef: the hearty protein that forms the base of the sauce.
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided: enhances all flavors without overpowering.
1 teaspoon dried no-salt added Italian seasoning: adds that signature blend of herbs to the sauce.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: intensifies the garlic flavor for a savory boost.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): for a subtle heat that gently wakes up your palate.
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade marinara): provides a rich, tangy tomato base.
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese: lends a silky, creamy texture that balances the meatiness.
1 large egg: binds the ricotta filling to keep it smooth and luscious.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: melts beautifully for that gooey cheesy layer.
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided: adds a sharp, nutty finish to the top crust.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional for serving): adds a burst of fresh color and flavor to brighten the dish.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

First things first, get your oven warmed up to 375°F, which is perfect for baking your ziti to bubbly, golden perfection. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish so that your cheesy masterpiece doesn't stick and lifts out easily when ready to serve.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cooking the pasta until just a little before al dente ensures it will finish cooking in the oven without getting mushy. Boil your ziti in salted water for 1–2 minutes less than the package suggests, then drain but don't rinse – those starches help the sauce stick beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce

Warm olive oil in a large skillet and sauté your finely chopped onion until softened and sweet. Next, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Then, cook the ground beef with half a teaspoon of salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes until nicely browned. Drain any excess fat if needed, and stir the marinara sauce into the beef mixture. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to meld all the flavors into a rich, hearty base.

Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

While the sauce is simmering, whisk together ricotta cheese, a large egg, half the Parmesan cheese, and the remaining salt until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This filling brings that luscious texture which contrasts wonderfully with the tomato-rich meat sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti

In a large bowl, toss the drained pasta with about one cup of the meat sauce until every bit is cloaked in flavor. Start layering by spreading half the sauced pasta in your prepared baking dish. Dollop and gently spread half the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spoon over a cup of meat sauce, and sprinkle with half a cup of mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and sauce, topping the whole dish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. This layering ensures every forkful is packed with cheesy, saucy goodness.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes to achieve that irresistible golden, bubbly crust that makes baked ziti so special. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the dish sets and is easier to cut.

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe

The image shows two bowls side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a white pot filled with a rich, chunky meat sauce with visible small pieces of ground meat and diced red tomatoes in a deep reddish-brown sauce. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pot. On the right, a white speckled bowl contains smooth, creamy mashed potatoes, pale yellow in color with a wooden spoon swirling through them creating a soft, textured pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds lovely pops of green and a fresh herbal accent that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat sauce. You can also offer extra Parmesan at the table for those who love an extra sharp kick.

Side Dishes

Serve this rich Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables to balance the indulgence. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are classic companions that help scoop up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in mini ramekins or small cast iron skillets. This not only looks charming but helps the cheese crust stay crispy. You can even sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top before baking for an extra crunchy topping that adds texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked ziti leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Assemble the dish but don’t bake, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake covered for a longer period until heated through and then uncovered to brown the cheese topping.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. You can cover with foil to prevent and dry out, uncovering in the last few minutes to refresh the crispy cheese topping.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While ziti or rigatoni are best for holding sauce, penne or even large shell pasta can work well in this recipe. Just choose pasta shapes that can trap the sauce and cheese easily.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe?

Yes, pre-shredded cheese can save time, but freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and yield a creamier texture and more vibrant flavor, so it’s worth the little extra effort.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Omit the ground beef and increase the amount of marinara sauce or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and spinach to keep the dish hearty and satisfying without the meat.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese is a reasonable substitute, though it’s less creamy. For a smoother texture, blend cottage cheese before mixing it with egg and Parmesan.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or add a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce. Adding some spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef also amps up the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe is a soul-satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that you’ll find yourself turning to again and again when you want comfort food done right. With simple ingredients coming together to form layers of cheesy, meaty, and saucy goodness, it’s not just a dish—it’s a happy memory waiting to happen. Give it a try and watch smiles appear at your dinner table!

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe