Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is a classic Italian-American comfort dish that warms the soul and delights the palate. This hearty casserole combines layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta filling, all topped with a generous layer of gooey melted mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a comforting, home-cooked meal. The blend of savory beef, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients Overview
To achieve the perfect baked ziti, it’s essential to understand the role of each ingredient in the recipe.
Sauce Ingredients Breakdown
The sauce is the heart of this dish, providing depth and richness. Ground beef brings a robust, meaty flavor, while olive oil adds a hint of fruitiness and helps sauté the onions. The onions, cooked until translucent, add a subtle sweetness, and the minced garlic infuses a fragrant, savory note. Salt and black pepper season the meat perfectly, while Italian seasoning introduces a blend of herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile. The spaghetti sauce, a mix of tomatoes and spices, binds everything together, making the sauce thick and luscious.
Ricotta Filling Ingredients Breakdown
The ricotta filling is where the magic of creaminess happens. Ricotta cheese is light yet rich, and when mixed with eggs, it becomes beautifully fluffy. Nutmeg, though used sparingly, adds a warm, nutty undertone that complements the cheese. Italian seasoning in the filling mirrors the flavors in the sauce, creating a harmonious taste throughout the dish. Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses add melty, cheesy goodness and a slight tang, respectively, enriching the filling’s texture and flavor.
Pasta and Topping Ingredients Breakdown
Ziti pasta is ideal for this recipe because its tubular shape holds the sauce and cheese well, ensuring every bite is flavorful. The topping of shredded mozzarella creates a melty, golden crust that’s both visually appealing and delicious, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy layers beneath.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To create this baked ziti masterpiece, follow these detailed steps for a flawless result.
Prepping the Oven and Cookware
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177ºC). Ensure you have a large, high-sided skillet for the sauce, a large mixing bowl for the ricotta filling, and a 13×9-inch baking dish for assembling the ziti. Having all your cookware ready will streamline the cooking process.
Making the Perfect Meat Sauce
Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes, taking care not to let it brown. Lower the heat slightly, add the minced garlic, and cook until it’s fragrant, around 1-2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink, draining any excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning, letting the mixture simmer until it’s well-blended and flavorful.
Crafting the Creamy Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the eggs, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, ensuring an even distribution of cheese throughout the filling. This mixture should be creamy and thick, ready to layer between the pasta and sauce.
Cooking and Draining the Pasta
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta well and set it aside, ready for assembly.
Assembling the Baked Ziti
To achieve the perfect baked ziti, the assembly process is crucial.
Layering the Ingredients for Optimal Flavor
Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This prevents the pasta from sticking and adds an initial layer of flavor. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top, using an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer. Repeat these layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and ricotta mixture, ensuring even distribution for a balanced bite every time.
Preparing for the Oven
Place the baking dish on a rimmed cookie sheet to catch any potential spills. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 160°F. This ensures the dish is heated through and the eggs in the ricotta are fully cooked. Remove the foil, sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded mozzarella, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the ziti to stand for 15 minutes before serving, which helps it set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Tips for a Perfect Baked Ziti
- Always drain the pasta well to avoid watery ziti.
- Use high-quality ricotta for the best texture and flavor.
- Let the dish rest after baking for easier serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture.
- Not draining the beef fat can make the sauce greasy.
- Skipping the resting time can result in a runny dish.
Adjusting the Recipe for Dietary Preferences
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.
- Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a different texture.
Ideal Side Dishes to Complement Baked Ziti
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of baked ziti. Garlic bread or a loaf of crusty Italian bread is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, provide a fresh and healthy contrast to the hearty pasta.
Beverage Pairings for a Complete Meal
A robust red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the rich meat sauce. For non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a chilled Italian soda.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, baked ziti can be prepared in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How Do I Freeze Leftover Baked Ziti?
To freeze, let the ziti cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F until heated through, about 45 minutes if thawed or 1 hour if frozen.
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Yes, other tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni work well. Smaller pasta shapes may not hold the sauce and filling as effectively, but they can still be used in a pinch.
Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is a quintessential comfort food that brings joy to any table. The layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta filling topped with melted mozzarella create a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and share your culinary creations with others, spreading the joy of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients:
Sauce:
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Ricotta Filling:
24 ounces ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta:
12 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177ºC).
- Make Sauce: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté 1 cup of chopped onion until it turns translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes, being careful not to let the onion brown. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, cooking until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add 2 pounds of ground beef along with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook until the beef is no longer pink, draining any excess fat as necessary. Stir in 2 jars of spaghetti sauce and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
- Make Ricotta Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 24 ounces of ricotta cheese, 2 large eggs, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly.
- Pasta: Cook 12 ounces of ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Assembly: Spread 1/2 cup of the prepared meat sauce over the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce, followed by half of the meat sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the meat sauce, spreading it into an even layer using an offset spatula. Repeat these layers, finishing with the remaining ricotta mixture. Place the baking dish on a rimmed cookie sheet to catch any potential spills.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F. Remove the foil, sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly. Allow the baked ziti to stand for 15 minutes before serving to let it set properly.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta Recipe
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 24-ounce jars spaghetti sauce
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Ricotta Filling:
- 24 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta:
- 12 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177ºC).
Make Sauce:
- In a large, high-sided skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté 1 cup of chopped onion until it turns translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes, being careful not to let the onion brown. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, cooking until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add 2 pounds of ground beef along with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook until the beef is no longer pink, draining any excess fat as necessary. Stir in 2 jars of spaghetti sauce and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
Make Ricotta Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 24 ounces of ricotta cheese, 2 large eggs, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly.
Pasta:
- Cook 12 ounces of ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Assembly:
- Spread 1/2 cup of the prepared meat sauce over the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce, followed by half of the meat sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the meat sauce, spreading it into an even layer using an offset spatula. Repeat these layers, finishing with the remaining ricotta mixture. Place the baking dish on a rimmed cookie sheet to catch any potential spills.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F. Remove the foil, sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly. Allow the baked ziti to stand for 15 minutes before serving to let it set properly.