Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

ByDorothy Miller
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Baked ziti is a good casserole to bring to someone who needs a meal. Ziti tossed with ricotta and cheese, layered with a quick ground beef marinara, and baked under a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan.

It serves eight, it reheats well, and it can be frozen, which makes it very practical.

Layer, do not just stir

Mixing the ricotta into the pasta, then layering it with the meat sauce, gives you creamy pockets and saucy pockets in every scoop. It is a small difference from a stirred casserole, but a nice one.

Let it stand five minutes before cutting. Squares hold together much better. I keep more crowd-pleasing pasta in my pasta recipes.

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Baked Ziti

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Ziti layered with ground beef marinara, ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan, baked until bubbly.

  • Author: Dorothy Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain.
  3. Cook the beef, onion and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in the marinara, oregano, salt and pepper and simmer 5 minutes.
  5. Combine the ziti, ricotta and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Spread half of the pasta in the dish and top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  8. Bake uncovered 30 minutes, until bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the ziti rest before cutting for cleaner slices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Leave out the beef or use plant-based crumbles.

How long does it keep in the freezer?

Leftovers keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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