Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Who doesn’t love a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish? This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a classic Italian-American favorite that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your weeknight dinner cravings. With its layers of al dente ziti, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, this recipe is a surefire hit that’ll have your family and friends coming back for seconds.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting a potluck, this Baked Ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and delivers that irresistible combination of flavors and textures that make Italian-inspired baked pasta dishes so beloved.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What makes this Baked Ziti recipe so special? For starters, the combination of ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella is a classic flavor profile that’s been delighting taste buds for generations. The ground beef adds a savory, meaty element, while the ricotta and mozzarella provide a creamy, cheesy indulgence that’s simply unbeatable.
But beyond the classic flavors, this recipe also offers incredible versatility. It can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs, from reduced-fat to lower-carb versions. Plus, the make-ahead preparation and freezer-friendly qualities make it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal-prepping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this Baked Ziti is sure to become a new staple in your recipe rotation.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta ❓
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made baked pasta recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
• Step 4: Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, eggs, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Step 6: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers once more, ending with the remaining meat sauce.
• Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
• Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the Baked Ziti to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
Compared to traditional lasagna, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Baked Ziti saves you 10% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 790mg
These Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta provide approximately 24% of your daily protein requirements and 16% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute half of the ziti with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash to reduce the carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the ricotta and mozzarella with your favorite dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew-based ricotta and shredded vegan mozzarella.
• Added protein: Mix in an additional 1/2 pound of ground turkey or Italian-style chicken sausage for a protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté and add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Baked Ziti.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the Baked Ziti with a light and refreshing tomato and mozzarella salad for a balanced dish.
• Complement the ziti with a simple caesar salad or a heartier minestrone soup for a cozy, comforting dinner.
• For a family-style gathering, serve the Baked Ziti alongside a platter of roasted vegetables, breadsticks, and a selection of red and white wines.
• Create an antipasto platter with the Baked Ziti, cured meats, olives, and marinated artichokes for a perfect appetizer or main course.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the sauce: The meat sauce is the foundation of this recipe, so be generous with the amount you use. Inadequate sauce can result in a dry, lackluster baked ziti.
• Not draining the ground beef: Failing to drain the excess fat from the cooked ground beef can lead to a greasy, unappetizing final dish.
• Forgetting to cool before serving: Allow the Baked Ziti to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, as this will help the layers set and prevent a messy, runny result.
• Not covering while baking: Be sure to cover the baking dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Assemble the Baked Ziti in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the Baked Ziti to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. This will help restore the creamy, melty texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked Baked Ziti for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I substitute the ground beef with a different protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian-style chicken sausage, or even crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian/vegan version. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but the basic assembly and baking instructions will remain the same.
Is there a way to make this Baked Ziti dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version, replace the ricotta cheese with a cashew-based ricotta alternative, and use shredded vegan mozzarella cheese instead of the regular mozzarella. These dairy-free substitutions will provide a creamy, cheesy texture without the lactose.
What can I do if my Baked Ziti turns out dry?
If your Baked Ziti comes out a bit dry, the likely culprit is overcooking the pasta or not using enough sauce. Next time, be sure to cook the ziti until just al dente, and consider increasing the amount of marinara sauce by 1/2 cup. You can also cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to help keep the moisture in.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Baked Ziti recipe is highly adaptable, and you can easily incorporate additional vegetables. Some great options include sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Simply sauté the vegetables with the onion and garlic, then mix them into the meat sauce before assembling the dish.
Conclusion
These Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family dinner or showcasing them at a potluck, they’re sure to impress with their cheesy, meaty goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Baked Ziti demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So, gather your loved ones, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and delicious Italian-inspired meal.
