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A deep ceramic 9×13-inch dish is ideal to accommodate the full volume; press down the top layer gently to compact the ingredients if necessary Recipe

A deep ceramic 9x13-inch dish is ideal to accommodate the full volume; press down the top layer gently to compact the ingredients if necessary Recipe
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4.9 from 57 reviews

This baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring layers of tender pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta and Parmesan blend, and a melty mozzarella topping. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 jars (24 ounces each) spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup onion, chopped

Ricotta Filling

  • 24 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

  • 12 ounces uncooked ziti pasta

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) so it’s ready for baking while you prepare the other components.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5–7 minutes), lowering the heat if necessary to avoid browning. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper, breaking up the meat and cooking until no longer pink. If needed, drain excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, mixing well. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently while you prepare the filling and pasta.
  3. Make Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, blend together the ricotta cheese, eggs, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (slightly firm in the center). Drain well and set aside.
  5. Assemble the Baked Ziti: Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Layer with half of the cooked pasta. Spoon and spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the pasta, then dollop and gently spread half of the ricotta mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and ricotta mixture, finishing with ricotta on top.
  6. Bake Covered: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any spillovers. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot in the center (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
  7. Add the Topping & Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  8. Rest & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving neater and easier.

Notes

  • Pasta Water: Salt pasta water generously (about 1–2 tablespoons per 4 quarts) for optimal flavor.
  • Al Dente: Undercook the pasta slightly so it holds up after baking.
  • Layering: Always start with a layer of sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor.
  • Resting Time: Let stand before slicing to avoid a soupy consistency.
  • Baking Dish: Use a deep 9×13-inch dish and press layers gently for compactness.
  • Spillover Precaution: Bake on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any overflow and for safety.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/baked-ziti-with-ground-beef-and-ricotta/