If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for a special occasion, you’ve found it — Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella. This cheesy baked pasta casserole combines tender ziti noodles, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and a generous layer of gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked to golden perfection.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the perfect baked ziti with ricotta and mozzarella, including the step-by-step recipe, helpful tips, creative variations, storage advice, and answers to common questions. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to wow your family and guests with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Let’s dive in and master this classic dish together.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe

There are many reasons why this recipe for baked ziti with ricotta & mozzarella deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation:

Rich and comforting — Layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese create the ultimate comfort food experience.
Easy to make — Despite its impressive look, it comes together with minimal effort.
Great for feeding a crowd — Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Customizable — You can tweak the meat, sauce, or cheese to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Make-ahead friendly — Prepare it in advance and bake when ready.

No matter the occasion, this baked ziti delivers flavor, warmth, and satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious baked ziti:

1 lb ziti pasta — Holds the sauce and cheese beautifully.
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce — Choose your favorite jarred sauce or make it from scratch.
1 lb ground beef — Provides savory, hearty flavor.
1 cup ricotta cheese — Adds creaminess and richness.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese — Melts to a gooey, golden layer on top.
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese — For extra flavor and a crispy top.
1 tsp Italian seasoning — A blend of herbs to enhance the taste.
Salt & pepper to taste.

Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish.

Step-by-Step Directions

Making baked ziti with ricotta & mozzarella is straightforward. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake your casserole to perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.

Step 4: Mix Pasta, Beef, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and cooked beef. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot with spoonfuls of ricotta and sprinkle with mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with more mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the ultimate baked ziti with ricotta & mozzarella:

Undercook your pasta slightly — Since it continues cooking in the oven, cooking it al dente prevents mushy noodles.
Use good-quality cheese — Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded.
Don’t skimp on the sauce — You want the dish to be saucy enough to prevent dryness.
Let it rest before serving — Allowing it to sit for 5–10 minutes helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
Make it ahead of time — Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, here are some fun and delicious ways to put your own spin on this dish:

Vegetarian Baked Ziti — Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted vegetables for a hearty, meat-free option.
Spicy Baked Ziti — Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
White Baked Ziti — Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and add chicken, spinach, and a little nutmeg for a creamy twist.
Three-Cheese Baked Ziti — Add provolone or fontina to the mozzarella and parmesan for an extra cheesy, decadent version.
Gluten-Free Baked Ziti — Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sauce is gluten-free.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The secret to this dish’s success is the balance of textures and flavors:
The pasta provides structure and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
The ricotta adds creaminess and a mild tang that complements the savory meat and sauce.
The mozzarella and parmesan on top create a bubbly, golden crust that everyone loves.
The beef brings richness and heartiness, making the dish satisfying and filling.

All these layers come together to create the ultimate cozy comfort food.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (of six):
Calories: ~480
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 20g

Actual values will vary depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients you use.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti

In the fridge: Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is hearty on its own, you can round out your meal with:
A crisp Caesar or garden salad
Garlic bread or breadsticks
Roasted or steamed vegetables
A glass of red wine or sparkling water

Why Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella is a Classic

There’s a reason why baked ziti has stood the test of time: it’s a versatile, satisfying, and universally loved dish. The combination of tender pasta, rich sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella is irresistible. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, but also special enough for holidays and celebrations.

FAQs About Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne or rigatoni are good alternatives if you can’t find ziti.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
You can, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Blend the cottage cheese for a smoother texture.

How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply omit the beef and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

What’s the best cheese for baked ziti?
A combination of mozzarella and parmesan is classic, but you can also add provolone, fontina, or cheddar for extra flavor.

Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen (covered) at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need This Recipe in Your Life

In conclusion, Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s hearty, cheesy, and comforting — everything you want in a baked pasta casserole. With its layers of pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese, it’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

By following the steps and tips outlined here, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with variations, this baked ziti will quickly become one of your most-requested recipes.

So next time you’re looking for a meal that’s warm, filling, and unforgettable, reach for this recipe and treat yourself and your loved ones to a big pan of cheesy, bubbling baked ziti.

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