Baked Ziti Ground Beef Ricotta (Printable Version)
A cheesy, layered baked ziti with ground beef and creamy ricotta, perfect for weeknight meals or feeding a crowd.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
340 g ziti pasta
→ Meat
02 -
450 g ground beef
→ Sauce
03 -
680 g marinara sauce
04 -
1 tsp dried basil (optional)
05 -
1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
→ Cheese
06 -
450 g ricotta cheese
07 -
340 g shredded mozzarella cheese
08 -
60 g grated Parmesan cheese
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
09 -
1 medium onion, finely chopped
10 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Oils & Seasonings
11 -
2 tbsp olive oil
12 -
Salt, to taste
13 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
14 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# Steps:
01 -
Set oven to 190°C (375°F) and allow it to fully preheat while preparing the components.
02 -
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until evenly browned. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
04 -
Pour marinara sauce into the skillet. Stir in dried basil and oregano if using. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
05 -
Combine ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan in a bowl. Mix well to create a smooth, rich cheese blend that will help bind layers.
06 -
Lightly grease a 23x33 cm baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce to coat the base. Add half of the cooked pasta. Dollop ricotta mixture evenly across pasta. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella. Layer half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat layering with the remaining pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and top with remaining meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
07 -
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to retain moisture and allow cheese to melt thoroughly.
08 -
Remove the foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes until the top cheese is melted, bubbling, and beginning to brown.
09 -
Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for brightness and color.
# Notes:
01 -
Adjust seasoning throughout preparation to ensure balanced flavor, especially salt and pepper before baking.
02 -
Drain fat after browning meat to prevent greasiness and improve texture.
03 -
Cover with foil at the start of baking to keep dish moist, uncovering near the end to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
04 -
This dish freezes well; assemble in advance and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.