Description
Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring layers of tender ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy ricotta mixture, all topped with melty mozzarella cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for ricotta mixture)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for ricotta mixture)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat. Stir in spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer briefly.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, nutmeg, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
- Boil ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
- Spread 1/2 cup of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the pasta, half of the meat sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with ricotta mixture on top.
- Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
Notes
- Always salt pasta water well for better flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent sogginess after baking.
- Layer sauce first to avoid sticking to the pan.
- Let baked ziti rest before serving to help it set properly.
- Use a high-quality spaghetti sauce for richer taste.
- Can be made ahead, refrigerated for 2 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American