1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Avoid overcooking as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
  • Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes to blend the flavors.

3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

  • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Mix well until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Baked Ziti

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large baking dish (9x13 inches), spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
  • Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, spreading it evenly across the dish.
  • Layer with half of the meat sauce and dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top, spreading gently.
  • Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Repeat the layers: pasta, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and cheeses, finishing with a thick topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake the Ziti

  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from over-browning) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to set.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
  • Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Ziti:

  1. Customize the Meat: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or a plant-based alternative for variety.
  2. Use Fresh Mozzarella: If available, fresh mozzarella adds an extra layer of creaminess.
  3. Make Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
  4. Double the Recipe: Baked ziti freezes well, making it an excellent meal to prep for busy weeks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked ziti with ground beef and ricotta is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the flavors of lasagna with the simplicity of a casserole. It's a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!