Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Looking for a super cozy and cheesy dinner? You’ve got to try my Baked Ziti with Ricotta! It’s one of those meals that just makes everyone happy.
You can whip it up in no time, and it comes out of the oven all bubbly and delicious. The meaty marinara sauce mixed with all that cheese is just SO GOOD.
I bet your family will ask for this one over and over again, making it a new favorite for your dinner nights.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti
Seriously, what’s not to love? This baked ziti is a total winner, and here’s why you’ll be making it all the time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can put it all together early and just pop it in the oven later.
- Amazing Leftovers: The leftovers are just as good, maybe even better, the next day.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults love this cheesy, meaty pasta. It’s a guaranteed win.
- Versatile Dish: It’s easy enough for a Tuesday night but yummy enough for company.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You just need a few key things to make this magic happen! I’ve listed the exact amounts for you in the recipe card at the bottom.
- Ziti Pasta: These little tubes are perfect for holding all that yummy sauce inside.
- Lean Ground Beef: This makes your meat sauce super rich and tasty for the whole family.
- Tomato Sauce: We use both marinara and crushed tomatoes to get the best saucy flavor.
- Cheese Trio: You’ll need ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for that ultimate cheesy pull. YUM!
- Seasoning: A little Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper bring all the delicious flavors together.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Okay, let’s get cooking! It’s super easy to put this all together. Just follow these simple steps to make your delicious meal.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring your large pot,….Boil the pasta until it’s al dente. Don’t cook it all the way, since it will finish baking in the oven!
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
While the pasta cooks, brown the meat and your chopped onion in your large skillet. Then, toss in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Right in that same skillet, add the sauce by pouring in 32 oz of marinara sauce and 14.5 oz of crushed tomatoes. Give it a good stir and let it bubble gently.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the pasta is drained, stir in the cooked ziti with your amazing meat sauce right in the skillet. Make sure you coat every single noodle!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the ingredients in your 9×13 dish. Put down half the pasta, then add scoops of ricotta and sprinkle on mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 6: Time to Bake
Add the final layers of pasta and cheese. Cover it up with aluminum foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, then take the foil off for the last 10-15 minutes.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Want to make your baked ziti extra amazing? Here are a few of my favorite little tricks to help you out!
- Al Dente Pasta: Seriously, don’t overcook your pasta! You want it to have a little bite.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Shredding a block of mozzarella yourself makes it melt so much better.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil, toss some in the sauce. It makes a big difference!
- Get a Crispy Top: Turn on the broiler for a minute at the end to get that cheese all golden and crispy.
- Let it Rest: Let your ziti sit for 10 minutes before you cut into it. It helps everything stay together.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to mix things up and make this recipe your own! Here are some fun ideas for you to try.
- Switch the Protein: You can totally use ground turkey, sausage, or even ground chicken instead of beef.
- Add Vegetables: Sneak in some veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the meat.
- Try Different Cheeses: Don’t be afraid to experiment with cheeses! Provolone or a cheddar blend would be yummy.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce.
- Go Meatless: You can make it vegetarian! Just leave out the meat and add more veggies.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This baked ziti is a lifesaver for busy days! You can put the whole casserole together, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready, just bake it as usual.
Got leftovers? They’re amazing! Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can even freeze the whole dish for later. It’s perfect for having a delicious meal ready to go!
Recipe FAQs
What can I use instead of ricotta?
You can swap it for cream cheese or just add some extra mozzarella or provolone for a different cheesy twist.
What other cheeses can I use?
Go for it! Provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack would all be delicious in this dish, so use your favorite.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
The trick is to only cook the pasta until it’s al dente before you bake it in the casserole.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For sure! Just skip the ground beef and load up the sauce with your favorite veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
What is the best pasta to use?
Ziti is classic, but penne or rigatoni work great too. Anything with ridges is good to hold the sauce!
How do I get a crispy cheese topping?
For a super crispy top, just pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of baking.
What to serve with baked ziti?
I love serving it with some garlic bread for dipping and a simple green salad on the side.
Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the whole dish a day or two before you plan to bake it for an easy dinner.
Can you freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! Just cover it well, and it will stay good in the freezer for about 2 months.
Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Get your ziti pasta boiling until it's al dente, which means it still has a slight bite.
- Brown the Beef: In your big skillet, cook ground beef with the chopped onion, making sure to break up the meat.
- Season the Sauce: Add your minced garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then pour in marinara and crushed tomatoes, and let it simmer.
- Combine and Layer: Gently stir the cooked pasta into your sauce. Spread half of this mixture in your 9×13 dish, and then top it with dollops of ricotta and half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Final Layer and Bake: Add the rest of the pasta over the cheese and top it with all the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish: Take the foil off and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a little golden.
Notes
- For the best texture, remember to only boil your pasta until it’s al dente so it doesn’t get too soft.
- You can store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days for a quick lunch.
- This dish freezes really well! Just cover it tightly and it will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To get dinner ready early, you can put the whole casserole together in the morning and keep it in the fridge.
- If you decide to use 80/20 ground beef, don’t forget to drain the extra fat after you brown it.
