Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Here’s a delicious Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta recipe that’s sure to satisfy!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the ground beef:
   While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove any excess fat.
3. Add aromatics and sauce:
   To the cooked beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Mix the ricotta and cheeses:
   In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the baked ziti:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and then top with half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers: ziti, ricotta, and sauce. Finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sauce.
• Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and bake as directed.

Enjoy your hearty, cheesy Baked Ziti!