Baked Ziti with Ricotta

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta bake that hits all the right notes, Baked Ziti with Ricotta is your go-to dish. This classic Italian-American casserole is a crowd-pleaser, featuring tender ziti pasta enveloped in a rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and a golden, bubbly mozzarella topping. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible meal for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a little cozy indulgence. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and lazy weekends.

Top Reasons to Make Baked Ziti with Ricotta

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This baked pasta offers warm, cheesy goodness that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a meal that feels like a hug.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With staple pantry items like pasta, marinara, and ricotta, you can whip up a delicious dish without fancy ingredients.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the gooey cheese and hearty meat sauce, making it a versatile recipe for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready, or freeze portions for easy meals down the line.
• Customizable: Swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a personalized touch.

Ingredient Notes

• Ziti Pasta: This tube-shaped pasta is ideal for holding onto sauce and cheese, but penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, it adds a mild fruity flavor and richness.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the flavorful base of the sauce, enhancing depth and aroma.
• Ground Meat: Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a hearty filling. Both provide protein and a meaty texture.
• Marinara Sauce: A jar of good-quality marinara cuts prep time while delivering a balanced tomato flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is key to adding richness and a smooth texture to the casserole.
• Egg: Acts as a binder in the ricotta mixture to help everything set beautifully when baked.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that iconic melty, stretchy cheese topping that makes baked ziti irresistible.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish sprinkled over the top for extra flavor depth.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors in the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Used as a garnish to brighten the dish with a fresh, herbal note.

Tools of the Trade

• Large Pot: For boiling the ziti pasta until al dente.
• Large Skillet: To brown the ground meat and sauté onions and garlic.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the ricotta cheese, egg, and seasoning.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish works perfectly for layering and baking the ziti.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and pasta mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precise ingredient amounts.

Baked Ziti with Ricotta — Do This Next

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Add 1 pound ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour in 1 jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine 15 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Gently fold in the ricotta mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.

Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the layer.

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.

If you love this, be sure to check out the Baked Ziti Recipe for variations and tips to elevate your pasta bake game.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free ziti or penne made from rice, corn, or chickpeas.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Swap ricotta and mozzarella for plant-based cheese alternatives.
• Egg Replacement: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg in the ricotta mixture.
• Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground beef or turkey with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian option.

Mistakes That Ruin Baked Ziti with Ricotta

• Overcooking the Pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente to avoid mushy baked ziti.
• Skipping the Egg in Ricotta Mixture: This causes the cheese filling to be runny instead of nicely set.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Under-seasoned meat sauce or cheese mixture results in a bland dish.
• Baking Without Covering Initially: This can dry out the pasta and cheese before it melts perfectly.
• Not Letting It Rest: Serving immediately after baking can cause the casserole to fall apart; resting helps it firm up.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Storing: Cover leftover baked ziti tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Portion leftovers into airtight containers or freeze the entire casserole before baking. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing unbaked, bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly. Adding a splash of water or extra cheese can refresh the texture.

Popular Questions

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble baked ziti completely and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great meal prep option or a dish to prepare before guests arrive.

Can I use fresh ricotta or store-bought?

Store-bought ricotta works perfectly here and is convenient. Fresh ricotta can be used if you prefer, but make sure it’s well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

Is it necessary to use ground beef or can I use other meats?

You can swap ground beef for lean ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage depending on your preference. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before assembling the dish.

How do I prevent the baked ziti from drying out?

Covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking locks in moisture. Also, using a sauce with enough liquid and not overbaking helps keep the pasta tender and the cheese melty.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

• Whipped Ricotta Flatbread Pizza With Hot Honey – A delightful way to enjoy ricotta with a sweet and spicy twist.
• Baked Ziti Recipe – Explore different takes on classic baked ziti for more inspiration.
• Classic Lasagna – Layered pasta, meat sauce, and cheese for another Italian favorite.
• Creamy Spinach Risotto – A luscious, cheesy rice dish packed with greens.

See You at the Table

Baked Ziti with Ricotta brings a sense of warmth and togetherness to any meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a make-ahead dinner that doesn’t disappoint, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for that pop of color and herbal brightness that ties everything together beautifully.

Enjoy every cheesy, saucy forkful—and happy cooking!

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