Oh, let me tell you about baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta! It’s one of those dishes that just warms your heart and fills your belly, you know? I remember the first time I made it for a cozy family dinner. The smell of bubbling cheese and rich marinara sauce wafting through the house made everyone gather in the kitchen, ready to devour it. It’s such a comforting meal, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you just want something hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! With layers of creamy ricotta, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella, every bite is a delightful experience. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner table!
Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your baked ziti a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef: This adds a savory, hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta and cheese.
- 12 ounces ziti pasta: Ziti is my go-to for this dish because it holds the sauce beautifully and gives you that perfect bite.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: The creamy texture of ricotta is essential—it creates that lovely, rich layer in your ziti.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade if you have it! This brings all the flavors together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Because who doesn’t love gooey, melted cheese on top? It’s a must-have!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice salty, nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of this brings that classic Italian flavor to life.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season—it’s important to balance all the flavors!
With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious baked ziti that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is easier than you might think, and I’ll walk you through the steps like we’re in the kitchen together. Ready? Let’s go!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the ziti cook evenly and get that lovely golden topping we all crave. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Cook the Ziti Pasta
While the oven is heating up, grab a big pot and fill it with water. Bring it to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt—this enhances the flavor of the pasta! Toss in 12 ounces of ziti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it firm enough to hold its shape when baked!
Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat (nobody likes greasy ziti!). Now, add in 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, so all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked ziti, 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, and the beef mixture. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and coated in that delicious sauce. It’s like a big, comforting hug in a bowl!
Transfer and Bake
Now, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top it off with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese—because more cheese is always better! Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. To check for doneness, look for that gorgeous, melty layer on top. When it’s ready, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this comforting dish! A typical serving size of baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta (about 1 cup) contains:
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But hey, knowing you’re enjoying a hearty meal with some protein and carbs is always a win in my book! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This baked ziti is packed with protein and carbs, making it a satisfying meal that keeps everyone full and happy.
- Comforting and Cozy: It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth, perfect for family dinners or chilly nights.
- Quick to Prepare: With just a bit of chopping and mixing, you can have this ready for the oven in no time!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore baked ziti, so it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at the dinner table.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat—so convenient!
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or swap out cheeses; it’s easy to make this dish your own!
- Leftover Love: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the leftovers just as much as the first serving.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is all about the little details! Here are some of my best tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, you want the ziti to be al dente since it will continue to cook while baking. If you overcook it, you risk a mushy texture in the final dish.
- Season Your Ingredients: Make sure to season the ground beef with salt and pepper while cooking. It enhances the flavor of the meat and ultimately the entire dish!
- Use Quality Marinara Sauce: The sauce is key! Choose a marinara that you love or even better, make your own if you have the time. The flavor of the sauce will shine through!
- Layer It Up: When transferring the mixture to the baking dish, consider layering half of the ziti, then cheese, and then the rest of the ziti. This creates a delightful cheesy surprise in every bite!
- Let It Rest: After baking, don’t skip the resting time! Letting the baked ziti sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Experiment with Cheese: If you want to mix things up, try using different types of cheese! Fontina or provolone can add a nice twist to the flavor profile.
- Cover with Foil: If you notice the cheese browning too quickly while baking, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes. This will prevent it from burning while the rest cooks through.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a baked ziti that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! Happy cooking!
Variations on Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
One of the best things about baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use up what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some nutrition by adding your favorite vegetables! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work beautifully. Just sauté them with the ground beef until tender before mixing them in.
- Change Up the Cheese: While ricotta and mozzarella are classics, feel free to experiment! Try adding creamy goat cheese for a tangy flavor or swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheese pull experience.
- Mix in Sausage: For a flavor boost, substitute half of the ground beef with Italian sausage. It adds a lovely spice and richness that elevates the whole dish.
- Go Meatless: Want a vegetarian option? Leave out the meat and add extra veggies or even some lentils for protein. You can also incorporate mushrooms for a meaty texture!
- Use Different Pasta: While ziti is fantastic, you can switch it up with penne, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta! The shape might change, but the deliciousness will remain!
- Add a Spicy Kick: If you like things with a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños into the beef mixture. It’ll bring a wonderful warmth to the dish!
- Layer with Pesto: Mix in some basil pesto with the ricotta for an extra layer of flavor. It adds a fresh, herby taste that’s simply delightful.
With these variations, you can keep your baked ziti exciting and tailored to your family’s preferences. So go ahead, get creative, and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep your delicious baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta fresh for later! Proper storage is key to enjoying those leftovers just as much as the first serving.
To store your baked ziti, let it cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes after baking. Then, transfer it into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep moisture in and prevents the ziti from drying out. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep or quick dinners!
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Now, for reheating, you have a couple of options:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in a baking dish, add a splash of marinara sauce if it seems a bit dry, and cover with foil to retain moisture. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to get that cheese bubbly again!
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (to help retain moisture), and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through until warmed to your liking.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every cheesy bite of your baked ziti multiple times! Enjoy!
Print
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta: 7 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty baked ziti dish featuring ground beef and creamy ricotta cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and beef mixture. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked ziti, ground beef, ricotta, Italian pasta dish