Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is the ultimate family-style pasta bake. Tender ziti, a meaty marinara and a creamy ricotta layer bake under a blanket of golden mozzarella.

Cheesy baked ziti with a hearty beef marinara, creamy ricotta layer and bubbly golden mozzarella on top. It's simple to make, feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights and potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and comforting
• Easy weeknight dinner
• Feeds a crowd
• Freezer-friendly

Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

• 1 lb (450 g) ziti
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 3 cups (300 g) shredded mozzarella
• Salt and pepper

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven for the meat sauce
• Medium saucepan and whisk for the béchamel
• 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
• Cheese grater
• Sharp knife and spatula for clean slices

Ingredient Notes

• Ziti: Penne or rigatoni work too.
• Ricotta: Whole milk ricotta is creamiest.
• Mozzarella: Low-moisture melts best.

Why This Recipe Works

Baked ziti works because it's forgiving and flexible. The ricotta layer adds creaminess, the beef marinara adds heartiness, and baking covered first keeps the pasta moist before the cheese browns.

The Secret to Creamy, Not Dry, Baked Ziti

Use plenty of sauce and cover the dish for the first part of baking. Pasta keeps absorbing liquid in the oven, so extra sauce ensures it stays saucy and tender.

Full measurements and printable instructions are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti 2 minutes less than package directions and drain.

Step 2

Brown beef with onion; add garlic, marinara, crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes.

Step 3

Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan and parsley.

Step 4

Toss the pasta with two-thirds of the sauce.

Step 5

Layer half the pasta, the ricotta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, the remaining pasta and sauce.

Step 6

Top with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes, uncover and bake 15-20 minutes until golden.

Step 7

Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use plenty of sauce.
• Cover first, then uncover.
• Rest before serving.

Variations to Try

• Use Italian-style ground turkey.
• Add spinach to the ricotta.
• Use provolone with mozzarella.

What to Serve With It

Serve with garlic bread and a Caesar salad.

Storage and Reheating

Undercooking the pasta keeps it from getting mushy in the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes to keep the edges crispy.

A Little Background

Baked ziti is an Italian-American classic, a staple of Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings. It's often made in big batches for parties because it's easy to prepare and stays warm well.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Great for potlucks, family dinners, holidays and meal trains.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

Assemble up to a day ahead. Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months and bake from thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use penne?

Yes.

Can I make it without meat?

Yes, it's delicious meatless.

How do I reheat?

Cover and bake at 350°F until hot.

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, up to 3 months.

Can I skip the egg?

Yes, but the ricotta will be looser.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy, saucy and comforting, this baked ziti is always a family favorite.

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