baked ziti with ricotta and meat recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
baked ziti with ricotta and meat recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best baked ziti with ricotta and meat recipe

I’ve been making this baked ziti with ricotta and meat recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is a classic Italian-American comfort food that never fails to satisfy.

I love how the creamy ricotta cheese and the savory ground beef come together to create a rich, satisfying flavor. My kids devour it, and it’s a staple in our household for special occasions and everyday meals alike.

This recipe is also a great way to get your kids to eat vegetables, as the hidden spinach and carrots in the ricotta mixture are a game-changer. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other baked pasta dishes, thanks to the use of lean ground beef and plenty of veggies.

My family loves this recipe because it’s easy to make ahead and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when we’re planning a big gathering. I’ve served it at countless potlucks, family gatherings, and even birthday parties, and it’s always been a crowd-pleaser.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to customize with your favorite toppings or add-ins, so feel free to get creative!

One thing I’ve learned from making this recipe countless times is that the key to success lies in cooking the pasta al dente before baking – don’t overcook it or you’ll end up with mushy noodles.

Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Meat

Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Meat

4.6 from 1731 votes

This comforting baked ziti recipe combines ricotta cheese and ground beef in a hearty tomato sauce, baked to perfection with ziti pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Mixture

1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Assembly

1 lb ziti pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4Use a spoon to break up any lumps.
5Drain excess fat.
6Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
7Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
8Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
9Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10While the sauce is simmering, cook ziti pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
11Drain and set aside.
12In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
13Mix well until smooth.
14In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
15Arrange a layer of cooked ziti pasta over the sauce.
16Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
17Top with the remaining meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is fully covered.
18Sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
19Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
20If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
21Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
22This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to serve.
23Cut into squares and serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Large pot
Mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Meat Works

This baked ziti with ricotta and meat recipe is one of my go-to options for family gatherings and special occasions – it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings or add-ins and feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility – whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive show-stopper for a holiday gathering, this recipe delivers every time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Meat

1. What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using ziti pasta – its tubular shape holds onto the sauce perfectly. You can also use other types of long, thin pasta like penne or rigatoni if you prefer.

2. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer leaner protein options. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different – turkey has a milder taste than beef, while chicken will give you a slightly drier final product.

3. How do I ensure my ricotta cheese doesn’t curdle when mixing with eggs?

To prevent curdling when mixing ricotta cheese with eggs, make sure to beat the eggs well before adding them to the cheese mixture. Also, use room-temperature ricotta cheese for best results.

4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground beef?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to add depth of flavor.

5. How do I store leftover baked ziti with ricotta and meat?

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Similar Posts