Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta – Easy, Cheesy Comfort Food

There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish of baked ziti. It is the kind of meal that feels like a big, hearty hug after a long day. Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is one of those timeless recipes that never fails to impress, whether you are feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner with friends. Imagine tender ziti pasta coated in a rich, savory meat sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It is simply irresistible.

I have made this recipe countless times, and it never disappoints. My family absolutely loves it, and I always get requests for the recipe whenever I bring it to gatherings. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the combination of seasoned ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, and the creamy, cheesy layers that make each bite a little slice of heaven. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, which is a huge win in my book.

This dish has become a go-to comfort meal in our household. It is one of those recipes that just makes you feel good, no matter the occasion. Whether you are new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, you will find this baked ziti easy to make and impossible to resist. Let’s dive into why you will love this recipe and how to make it your new favorite comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to love baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta, but here are a few that make it truly special:

1. Comforting and Hearty

Baked ziti is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese creates a dish that is both satisfying and filling. It is the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out and leaves you feeling happy and content.

2. Rich and Cheesy Goodness

The blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan makes this dish wonderfully cheesy and creamy. As it bakes, the cheese melts into the sauce and pasta, creating layers of flavor and texture that are hard to resist. The top becomes perfectly bubbly and golden, adding a bit of crispiness to every bite.

3. Simple and Easy to Make

You do not need to be a gourmet chef to make this baked ziti. The recipe uses common ingredients and follows straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginners. You can easily put it together on a busy weeknight or prep it ahead of time for a stress-free dinner.

4. Family-Friendly

This baked ziti is a hit with both kids and adults. The flavors are familiar and comforting, and the cheesy, saucy pasta is always a crowd-pleaser. It is perfect for feeding a large family or serving at gatherings, and it always gets rave reviews.

5. Versatile and Customizable

Whether you want to add more vegetables, swap the ground beef for ground turkey, or experiment with different cheeses, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients or tweaking the seasoning to suit your taste.

6. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Baked ziti tastes even better the next day. It stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Plus, it freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save portions for later.

Health Benefits

While baked ziti might not be the first dish that comes to mind when you think of healthy eating, it can actually offer a range of nutritional benefits when prepared thoughtfully. Here are some reasons why you can feel good about serving this dish to your family:

1. Protein-Rich

Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Depending on the type of ground beef you use, it can also provide essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. To make it a bit healthier, you can choose lean ground beef or even substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

2. Balanced Carbohydrates

The ziti pasta provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are important for energy. Opting for whole wheat ziti can increase the fiber content, making the dish more filling and beneficial for digestion.

3. Dairy Benefits

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan contribute to the creamy, cheesy goodness while also providing calcium and protein. Using part-skim or low-fat versions can help reduce the calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor.

4. Tomato-Based Marinara Sauce

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and A, as well as the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to heart health. Using a high-quality marinara sauce made from real tomatoes can boost the nutritional value of the dish.

5. Nutrient-Packed Additions

If you want to make this baked ziti even healthier, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce. This boosts the fiber, vitamins, and minerals without significantly changing the taste or texture.

6. Controlled Portions

Since baked ziti is filling and satisfying, it helps control portion sizes naturally. Pairing it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables allows you to create a balanced meal that includes protein, carbs, and fiber.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings

This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef recipe makes approximately 8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g

These nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. To reduce calories and fat, you can choose leaner ground beef and use reduced-fat cheeses.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 24 oz marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, following the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
• Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cook the Meat Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• (Optional) Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers at this stage and cook until softened.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan.
• Mix well and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with the prepared meat sauce. Toss until the pasta is well-coated.

Layer the Ziti in the Baking Dish

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish.
• Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread as evenly as possible.
• Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top and repeat the cheese layering process.

Bake

• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with slightly golden edges.

Let it Rest and Serve

• Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired and enjoy!

How to Serve

Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is a hearty dish that works beautifully as a main course. Here are some serving suggestions to make the meal even better:

• Serve with garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
• Pair with a crisp, fresh salad such as Caesar or arugula with lemon vinaigrette.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs on top before serving for added flavor.
• For a comforting, complete meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• If you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish.

Pairing Suggestions

The rich, cheesy flavors of this baked ziti pair well with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• Side Dishes: Roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad.
• Bread Options: Garlic knots, focaccia, or cheesy breadsticks.
• Refreshing Beverages: Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or a fruity punch.
• Kid-Friendly Pairing: Serve with apple slices or steamed carrots to keep it balanced and fun.
• For Extra Flavor: Drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle fresh herbs over each serving before eating.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

• To freeze, assemble the baked ziti but do not bake it.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Reheating

• Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• To reheat the entire dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Overcooked Pasta: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Skipping the Foil Cover: Always cover the dish for the initial baking period to keep moisture in and prevent the cheese from burning.
• Not Letting the Dish Rest: Allowing the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before serving helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

Pro Tips

• Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or parsley as a garnish enhances the dish’s flavor and presentation.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy profile.
• Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, mix red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or sprinkle them over the top before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter version of this dish. You may need to add a bit more seasoning to boost flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply use gluten-free pasta and check your marinara sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best way to reheat baked ziti?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini are all great additions.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking ensures the cheese doesn’t brown too quickly.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying, yet incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or just craving something hearty and delicious, this dish delivers every time. Plus, it’s easy to customize and even easier to love.

Now it’s your turn to give this baked ziti a try. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to indulge in a cozy, mouthwatering meal. And when you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience in the comments below or tag me on social media with your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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