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Homemade baked ziti with ricotta and ground beef in casserole dish, showing golden brown cheese topping and layers of pasta and meat sauce

baked ziti with ricotta and ground beef recipe

Preparing Your Ingredients Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Brown the ground beef, season, and mix with marinara sauce. Prepare the cheese mixture by combining ricotta, parmesan, and a pinch of oregano.
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Ingredients
  

  • 500 g ziti pasta or penne/rigatoni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Cooking Pasta Perfectly
  • Cook ziti in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes. It should be firm yet tender, as it will cook further in the oven.
  • Crafting the Meat Sauce
  • Sauté ground beef until browned. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  • Layering for Success
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a greased baking dish.
  • Add half of the pasta, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and add more sauce. Repeat layers, ending with a generous cheese topping.
  • Baking to Perfection
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden cheese crust.
  • Checking for Doneness
  • The cheese should be fully melted, and the edges slightly crisp. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tips for Choosing Ingredients

  • Pasta: Opt for high-quality durum wheat pasta to avoid sogginess.
  • Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella and whole-milk ricotta for richer flavors.
  • Meat: Lean ground beef minimizes excess grease while maintaining flavor.