Ground Beef and Ricotta Baked Ziti

Last Updated: Sep 22, 2021

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This is the easiest, meatiest and cheesiest ricotta baked ziti casserole you'll ever have! Made with ground beef, mozzarella, and fresh vegetables, this is a hearty and comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

close up of ricotta baked ziti with serving spoon

A pasta casserole is a great dish to make on busy days. This ricotta baked ziti is an easy and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinner.

Keep yourself and your family warm, filled, and satisfied with this wonderful and super cheesy baked ziti recipe.

Be sure to try my Creamy Bow Tie Pasta and Dominican Spaghetti too!

Ingredients

Ziti Pasta
Red Onion
Green Bell Pepper
Oregano
Salt and Pepper
Oil
Marinara Sauce
Ricotta Cheese
Shredded Mozzarella

How to make ground beef ricotta baked ziti

four images of process cooking the ground beef and combining with pasta

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare pasta according to box instructions.
Using a food processor or a blender, pulse together onion, bell pepper, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix the seasoning with ground beef.
In a large skillet, pour oil and cook meat over medium heat until all meat has browned. Add marinara sauce. Stir until combined and let simmer for about 10 minutes. (Reserve ½ cup of marinara sauce for the baking pan.)
In a big bowl, mix together pasta, meat sauce, half of the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

two images of pasta and ricotta cheese in a baking dish

Cover the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan with the left over marinara sauce. Transfer pasta to the baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella cheese.
Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes or until cheese has completely melted. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread and/or salad.

ricotta baked ziti served on a plate with salad on the side

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use other types of pasta?

This recipe is made with ziti, a large tubular pasta with grooves that help the sauce stick to it. You can make this with other types of pasta like penne, bow tie, or fusilli if that's what you have to hand.

How long does it keep?

This beef ricotta baked ziti recipe makes enough for 8 servings. It's a great recipe to make at the beginning of the week, then enjoy the leftovers a few days later. Once the casserole has cooled, cover the dish or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat the pasta bake in the oven at 360F, with the top covered with foil for around 15 to 20 minutes to warm through.

What do you serve it with?

This baked ziti can easily be eaten by itself, or enjoy with a side of veggies, a caprese salad, fries or some garlic bread.

ricotta baked ziti served on a plate with salad and bread on the side

Recipe Notes and Tips

Cook the pasta al dente. If you overcook it, the casserole will become soggy when it is baked.
You can easily add in some extra vegetables like carrots or mushrooms if you like. Just soften them in a skillet before mixing with the pasta and baking.
The ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, pork or bison.
Let the ricotta baked ziti cool before storing the leftovers.

More Beef Recipes

I’m a working mom, whose love for food led me to start this blog as a resource for other busy parents. I’m passionate about creating quick and easy versions of the recipes I grew up eating to share with busy parents who want to cook foods filled with Latin flavors that don’t take a ton of time to prepare.

It is my mission to show you that you can make great flavorful dishes at home without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

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