Easy Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta (Classic Family Dinner Casserole)

This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta is the kind of classic comfort food that never goes out of style. With layers of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella, this cheesy baked ziti with ground beef is everything I want in a cozy family dinner. If you are looking for a dependable baked ziti casserole that feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day, this is it.

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I have made this easy baked ziti recipe more times than I can count.

I make it for Sunday dinners, church potlucks, meal trains, and busy weeknights when I need something hearty that everyone will eat without complaint.

It reminds me of my slow cooker creamy chicken pasta and even my baked pasta casseroles that always show up at family gatherings.

There is something about a classic baked ziti casserole that just feels comforting and familiar.

Why I Love This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

There are so many reasons this family dinner baked ziti stays on my regular rotation.

• It uses simple ingredients I usually already have on hand.
• It feeds a crowd without much extra effort.
• It is freezer friendly and reheats beautifully.
• The layers of ricotta and mozzarella make it extra creamy and cheesy.
• It is reliable and turns out perfectly every time.

One thing I always do in my kitchen is let the baked ziti rest for about ten minutes before serving.

That little pause helps everything set up so you get those beautiful, cheesy layers instead of a runny casserole.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Ricotta Cheese

These ingredients come together to create the ultimate classic baked ziti casserole.

• Ziti pasta
  This sturdy pasta holds the sauce and cheese well. If you do not have ziti, penne is a great substitute.
• Ground beef
  Adds hearty flavor and makes this a true cheesy baked ziti with ground beef. You can swap in Italian sausage for extra flavor or use ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Marinara sauce
  The base of the dish. Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you prefer.
• Ricotta cheese
  This is what makes baked ziti with ricotta cheese so creamy and rich. Cottage cheese can be substituted if needed.
• Mozzarella cheese
  Melts beautifully and gives you that golden, bubbly top.
• Parmesan cheese
  Adds a sharp, salty finish that balances the richness.
• Egg
  Helps bind the ricotta layer so it holds together when sliced.
• Garlic
  Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Italian seasoning
  Brings that classic Italian inspired flavor to the whole casserole.
• Salt and black pepper
  Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make This Classic Baked Ziti Casserole

This easy baked ziti recipe comes together in simple, manageable steps.

My favorite trick is slightly undercooking the pasta before baking. Since it will continue cooking in the oven, this keeps it from becoming too soft.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

Drain the ground beef well so the casserole is not greasy.

Do not skip the egg in the ricotta mixture because it helps create clean slices.

Cover with foil for the first portion of baking to prevent over browning.

Let the casserole rest before serving so it firms up.

Serving Suggestions

This family dinner baked ziti pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• A simple green salad with Italian dressing
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• A fresh Caesar salad

I also love serving this at potlucks because it travels well and stays warm for quite a while.

Recipe Variations

You can easily customize this classic baked ziti casserole.

• Make it meatless by skipping the ground beef and adding sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier version.
• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Stir in fresh basil for extra flavor.
• Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Garnish with additional Parmesan or parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are looking for a dependable, comforting, and easy baked ziti recipe that works for weeknights, potlucks, and family gatherings, this one is a true classic.

I have made this cheesy baked ziti with ground beef so many times, and it never disappoints.

I would love for you to try it and come back to leave a comment and tell me how it turned out in your kitchen.

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Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a delicious pasta dish that the whole family will enjoy. You won’t want to miss this cheesy, meaty, yummy weeknight meal. 

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Course: Beef

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 532kcal

Author: Jennifer Smith

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 pounds ground beef
• ▢ 28 oz can diced tomatoes , with juice
• ▢ 2 cans (14.5 oz each) tomato sauce
• ▢ 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• ▢ ½ tsp garlic powder
• ▢ salt and pepper, to taste
• ▢ 16 oz ziti pasta, cooked and drained
• ▢ 15 oz Ricotta cheese
• ▢ 1 ½ pounds mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ▢ ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ▢ 1 egg

Directions

• Brown ground beef and drain well. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove 3-4 cups of sauce to another bowl to cool down.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta according to package directions then rinse with cool water and drain pasta well.
• In separate bowl, combine ricotta, two cups of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt and pepper. Add pasta and reserved sauce. Mix to combine.
• In large, greased casserole dish, layer half the pasta mixture then half the remaining sauce then half the remaining mozzarella. Repeat with another layer of pasta then sauce then mozzarella. 
• Bake for 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. 

Equipment

• Fiesta Lasagna Baker, 9 by 13-Inch, Lapis
• Qimh Colander collapsible, Colander Strainer Over The Sink Vegetable/Fruit Colanders Strainers With Extendable Handles, Folding Strainer for Kitchen,6 Quart
• U.S. Kitchen Supply – Premium Quality Over The Sink Stainless Steel Oval Colander with Fine Mesh 6 Quart Strainer Basket & Expandable Rubber Grip Handles – Strain, Drain, Rinse Fruits, Vegetables
• Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Strainer – Orange | Patented Clip On Silicone Colander | Fits all Pots and Bowls
• Cooks Standard Classic stockpot, 20 Quart, Stainless Steel

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 532 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 41 g | Fat: 31 g | Saturated Fat: 15 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 143 mg | Sodium: 674 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 5 g

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