Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor. This classic Italian-American dish features tender ziti pasta, rich ground beef in a seasoned marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a generous layer of gooey melted mozzarella. It’s the perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep since it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Assembling the Ziti:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
2. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5 minutes).
2. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant (2 minutes).
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
4. Add basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti.
3. Layer with half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Repeat with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
6. Finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Cooking Notes

• For extra flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
• To prevent dryness, undercook the pasta slightly since it will continue cooking in the oven.
• For a richer sauce, let it simmer for 30 minutes before assembling the dish.

Variations

1. Spicy Baked Ziti

• Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.

2. Vegetarian Baked Ziti

• Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

3. Extra Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Mix 1 cup shredded mozzarella into the ricotta mixture for added creaminess.

Keto & Low-Carb Version

Pasta Substitute:

• Use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or keto-friendly pasta instead of ziti.

Ricotta Mixture Adjustments:

• Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for fewer carbs.

Low-Carb Sauce:

• Use a low-sugar marinara sauce or make a homemade version with fresh tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings.

4. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! It will give a slightly different texture but still be delicious.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is the perfect dish for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With its rich, cheesy layers and comforting flavors, this baked pasta dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food at home