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The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

A generous slice of cheesy baked ziti covered in melted mozzarella and rich meat sauce, served on a white plate.
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Make this hearty, cheesy baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta for a satisfying Italian comfort food dinner. This recipe is easy to assemble and perfect for family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the marinara sauce, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then remove from heat.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the meat sauce, and the ricotta mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
  9. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
  11. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • Use whole milk ricotta cheese for the creamiest texture in your cheese layer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/ultimate-cheesy-baked-ziti-recipe/