Name: Baked Ziti With Ricotta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 4 cups spaghetti sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 large eggs; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 pound ziti pasta, uncooked

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This article explores a hearty and comforting baked ziti dish layered with flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey cheese—perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked ziti is rich, satisfying, and deceptively simple. With only about 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a dish that tastes lavish but comes together easily—ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of robust meat sauce, creamy ricotta with a hint of nutmeg, and melty mozzarella makes every bite a delight. The recipe is flexible, too—adaptable to your tastes or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sauce:

Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Ground beef
Salt & black pepper
Spaghetti sauce
Italian seasoning

Ricotta Filling:

Ricotta cheese
Eggs
Nutmeg
Italian seasoning
Mozzarella, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated

Pasta:

Ziti pasta, uncooked

Topping:

Mozzarella, shredded

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until translucent (about 5–7 minutes). Reduce to medium-low, add minced garlic, and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer briefly to blend flavors.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, nutmeg, Italian seasoning, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Layer half the cooked pasta, half the remaining sauce, and half the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers.
Place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbling.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes or until the center reaches 160 °F.
Uncover, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, and bake another 10 minutes until melted.
Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavor.
Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter version.
Add spinach to the ricotta mixture for a veggie boost.
Use penne or rigatoni if ziti isn’t available.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350 °F, covered with foil until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
To freeze, assemble the dish unbaked, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the baking time.
You can also freeze individual portions for quick meals.

FAQs

1. Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can fully assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese?

Yes, provolone, fontina, or gouda can be used instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.

3. Is It Necessary To Let It Rest Before Serving?

Yes, letting it rest 10–15 minutes helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

4. What’s The Best Way To Freeze It?

Wrap the assembled (but unbaked) dish tightly in foil and freeze. Thaw before baking or bake from frozen with extra time.

5. Can I Add Vegetables?

Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are great additions to the meat sauce or ricotta layer.

6. Can I Use Jarred Sauce?

Yes, using a good-quality jarred sauce saves time and works well in this recipe.

7. How Do I Know When It’s Done Baking?

The internal temperature should reach 160 °F, and the cheese on top should be fully melted and slightly golden.

8. Can I Make It Vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ground beef and use extra veggies or a meat substitute like lentils or plant-based crumbles.

9. Will It Still Taste Good Without Eggs In The Ricotta?

Yes, though eggs help bind the ricotta mixture, you can skip them or use an egg substitute if needed.

10. Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?

Yes, just ensure not to overcook the pasta, as gluten-free noodles can become mushy more easily.

Conclusion

This baked ziti with ricotta delivers layers of flavor and comfort in every bite. From its creamy cheese filling to the rich meat sauce and perfectly baked pasta, it’s a dish that satisfies every time. Whether you’re serving a crowd or freezing portions for later, this recipe is a reliable and delicious go-to.