Name: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Ziti pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh chopped basil or parsley for garnish

Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is one of those classic, comforting pasta dishes that always hits the spot. With layers of saucy pasta, savory beef, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese, it’s like a simpler, less fussy version of lasagna. I love making it for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or whenever I want a hearty, satisfying meal that feeds a crowd.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s rich, filling, and easy to make ahead. The beef adds heartiness, the ricotta brings a creamy layer, and the cheese on top bakes into a bubbly, golden crust. It’s one of those dishes I can prep in advance, freeze for later, or throw together with pantry staples and still have something that feels special and homemade.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ziti pasta
Ground beef
Olive oil
Onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Marinara or pasta sauce
Ricotta cheese
Egg (for mixing with ricotta)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning
Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or parsley for garnish

Directions

I start by cooking the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft. I add the garlic, then the ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
I drain any excess fat and stir in marinara sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.
In a bowl, I mix the ricotta cheese with an egg, a bit of salt, pepper, and some grated Parmesan.
I combine the pasta with half of the meat sauce and a handful of mozzarella.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, I layer half the pasta mixture, then dollop and spread the ricotta mixture over it.
I top with the remaining pasta and sauce, then sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and more Parmesan.
I bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. I let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, and a short resting time before serving—so it’s on the table in under an hour.

Variations

I sometimes use ground Italian sausage instead of beef for a spicier, richer flavor.
A layer of spinach or sautéed mushrooms adds a veggie boost.
I mix in a little pesto or red pepper flakes to change up the flavor.
For a lighter version, I use part-skim ricotta and lean ground turkey.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I bake covered at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. It also freezes well—just wrap tightly before baking and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. I add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if it’s going in cold.

Do I have to use ricotta?

I love the creaminess it adds, but I’ve also used cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce in its place with great results.

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely. I freeze it unbaked or fully baked—just make sure it’s wrapped well. It reheats best when thawed overnight.

What’s the difference between ziti and penne?

Ziti is smooth and straight-cut, while penne is angled and ridged. I use either, depending on what I have on hand.

How do I keep it from drying out?

I make sure the pasta is coated in enough sauce and cover the dish with foil for most of the bake time, removing it at the end to brown the cheese.

Conclusion

Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is a comforting classic that’s easy to make and even easier to love. With its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and golden topping, it’s a satisfying meal I come back to again and again. Whether I’m cooking for a crowd or saving leftovers for the week, this dish always delivers.