Go Back
Baked Ziti Bliss with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This classic Italian-American dish is a beloved favorite in many households, known for its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses that meld together beautifully when baked. It's not just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes feelings of coziness and togetherness, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Baked Ziti Bliss featuring Ground Beef and Ricotta! This classic Italian-American dish combines tender ziti, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses to create a delightful meal that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it's sure to warm your heart. Discover the joy of making this beloved casserole and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite! #BakedZiti #ComfortFood #ItalianRecipes #HomemadeCooking #CheesyGoodness
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ziti pasta

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook for about 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.

        Add Veggies and Seasonings: To the skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

          Mix in Tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti and the beef-tomato sauce. Mix well so that the pasta is coated with the sauce.

              Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.

                Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the ziti-sauce mixture at the bottom. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture on top, then layer the remaining ziti-sauce mixture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

                  Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                    Garnish and Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for about 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6-8