When it comes to comfort food, baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is in a league of its own.

This dish takes pasta, layers it with a savory meat sauce, and nestles it under rich ricotta and golden, bubbling mozzarella.

Every forkful offers a perfect mix of flavors—meaty, cheesy, and saucy—without any fuss or complicated steps.

It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile, whether you’re cooking for a special family night or just making dinner a little extra cozy.

Simple, satisfying, and full of warmth, this baked ziti is bound to become a favorite at home.

Easy Baked Ziti With Ground Beef And Ricotta

Ingredients

• 16 ounces ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 26 ounces marinara or plain tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1-2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Boil a pot of salted water, add the ziti, and cook until just before al dente. Drain the pasta a couple of minutes early and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked (no pink left). Drain any excess fat, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the tomato sauce, onion powder, salt, and Italian seasoning, stirring well. Lower the heat and let it simmer while you prepare the cheese mixture.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, sugar, half of the grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt.
5. In the skillet with the sauce, stir in the ground beef and cooked ziti, coating everything evenly. Spoon half of this mixture into the prepared baking dish, then layer dollops of the ricotta mixture on top, spreading gently. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella on this layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and spread it out evenly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. Remove from the oven and allow to sit for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips For Perfect Baked Ziti

To make your baked ziti delicious every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Undercook the Pasta Slightly: Cook the ziti just until it’s almost done (about 2 minutes less than the package suggests). This way, it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
• Drain Excess Fat from the Beef: After browning the ground beef, drain any fat to keep the sauce flavorful but not greasy.
• Mix in Half the Cheese: Stir some mozzarella into the pasta and sauce mixture before layering. This spreads the cheesy flavor throughout.
• Add Extra Seasoning if Needed: Taste the sauce before layering; if it feels like it needs a little more flavor, add an extra pinch of salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
• Cover with Foil First, Then Bake Uncovered: Covering with foil for the first half of the baking time keeps the cheese from over-browning. Remove the foil in the last 10-15 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly and golden.

What To Serve With Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti is a hearty dish, but pairing it with a few sides can make the meal even better! Here are some simple sides that go well with it:

• Garlic Bread
• Simple Salad
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables
• Sautéed Spinach or Garlic Mushrooms

How To Store Baked Ziti?

If you have leftovers, baked ziti is easy to store and even tastier the next day! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• In the Refrigerator: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the ziti tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, covering with foil to prevent it from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just add a little splash of water before reheating to keep it moist.

Variations Of Baked Ziti

While the classic baked ziti recipe is already a favorite, you can easily change things up to suit your taste. Here are a few fun and delicious variations:

• Add Vegetables: You can mix in veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the meat sauce for a healthier twist. These add great flavor and nutrition.
• Swap the Meat: If you prefer a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based meat or extra mushrooms as a meat substitute.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or ricotta blends to change the flavor. A mix of cheeses gives the dish a unique, melty texture.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, spicy sausage, or even jalapeños to your sauce to bring some heat to your ziti.
• Try a Pesto Twist: Instead of tomato sauce, swap it for pesto for a fresh, herby flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheese and pasta.

Should Baked Ziti Be Covered When Baking?

The short answer is yes, at least part of the time. Here’s why:

• Covering in the First Half: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 15-20 minutes of baking. This helps the cheese inside melt evenly and prevents the top from over-browning too quickly.
• Uncover for the Last Part: After that, remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the top to get golden and bubbly. This gives you the perfect baked ziti with a crispy cheese top and a well-cooked center.

How Do You Keep Baked Ziti Moist?

Baked ziti can sometimes dry out in the oven, but with a few simple tips, you can keep it moist and delicious:

• Add Extra Sauce: Make sure you use enough sauce when mixing the pasta, meat, and cheese. If the dish feels dry before baking, add a little extra sauce to ensure moisture.
• Cover It While Baking: As mentioned earlier, cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to trap moisture. This prevents the top layer from drying out too quickly.
• Use Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: Adding a generous amount of ricotta or cottage cheese not only adds richness but also helps keep the dish creamy and moist.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating leftover baked ziti, cover it with foil and add a little water or sauce to keep the moisture locked in.

How Long Is Baked Ziti With Meat Good For?

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Baked ziti with meat lasts a good amount of time when stored properly:

• In the Fridge: Baked ziti can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• In the Freezer: If you want to keep it for longer, freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

If you’re unsure if it’s still good, look for signs like an off smell or changes in color. If it looks and smells fine, it should be safe to eat!

How Long Do You Heat Baked Ziti In The Oven?

Reheating baked ziti is simple, but you want to make sure it’s heated through properly. Here’s how long to heat it:

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for reheating.
• Heating Time: Heat your leftover baked ziti for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil, to ensure it warms evenly without drying out. If it’s been frozen, let it thaw first for better results.
• Check for Warmth: After heating, check that the ziti is hot all the way through. If needed, give it a couple more minutes.

Why Is My Baked Ziti So Watery?

A watery baked ziti can be frustrating, but there are simple reasons it happens—and just as simple fixes. Here’s what might be causing it:

1. Too Much Sauce

• Why it happens: If there’s too much sauce or it’s too thin, the pasta can’t absorb all the liquid, leading to a watery dish.
• How to fix it: Reduce the amount of sauce slightly, or use a thicker sauce. You can also simmer the sauce longer on the stove to thicken it before adding it to the pasta.

2. Undrained Ground Meat

• Why it happens: Meat, especially ground beef, can release fat and liquid when cooked, which can make the dish watery.
• How to fix it: Always drain the fat and liquid from the ground meat before mixing it with the sauce.

3. Watery Ricotta Or Cheese

• Why it happens: Some cheeses, like ricotta, can release moisture as they bake, making the ziti too runny.
• How to fix it: Drain excess liquid from the ricotta before using it. Press it in a cheesecloth or strainer for a few minutes to remove extra moisture.

4. Not Letting It Rest

• Why it happens: Cutting into your baked ziti immediately can cause extra liquid to spill out because the sauce hasn’t set properly.
• How to fix it: Let the ziti rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and set.