Description
This classic Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a hearty and comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta, rich ricotta cheese, savory ground beef simmered in marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines rustic flavors with an easy baking method to yield a satisfying meal in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta according to package directions until it is al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Simmer Sauce: Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the browned beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and the meat sauce until well combined for an even flavor throughout.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped garlic or onions to the beef while browning.
- Use part-skim cheeses to reduce fat content without sacrificing taste.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
