Baked Ziti with Ricotta

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If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that’s easy to make and totally irresistible, Baked Ziti with Ricotta is the answer. This crowd-pleasing casserole layers tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a melty trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. It’s everything you love about baked pasta—saucy, cheesy, and hearty enough to satisfy the whole family.

Pinterest pin collage showing baked ziti with ricotta topped with melted cheese and parsley.

The best part? You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. Leftovers reheat beautifully, so there’s no chance this will go to waste!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Ricotta

Classic Comfort, Simple Steps

This baked ziti is all about big flavor with minimal effort. It uses everyday ingredients—ziti pasta, ground beef, marinara, and three cheeses—layered together for a dinner that’s both classic and cozy. Make it ahead, swap in your favorite protein or veggies, and serve with a salad or breadsticks for a complete meal.

Cheesy baked ziti with ricotta being lifted from a casserole dish topped with melted mozzarella and parsley.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ziti pasta (or penne/rigatoni)
Lean ground beef
Onion & garlic
Italian seasoning, salt, pepper
Marinara sauce & crushed tomatoes
Mozzarella cheese
Ricotta cheese
Parmesan cheese

Easy Variations

Use ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or pork.
Add sautéed veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or peppers.
Try alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Ricotta

Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti until just al dente.

Ziti pasta boiling in a stainless steel pot filled with hot water.

Make the Sauce: Sauté ground beef and onion, then add garlic, seasoning, marinara, and tomatoes. Simmer, then stir in cooked pasta.

Raw ingredients for baked ziti with ricotta including ground beef, onions, marinara sauce, and grated cheese in a bowl.

Rich homemade meat sauce simmering in a skillet with tomatoes and ground beef.

Cooked ziti pasta mixed with homemade meat sauce in a skillet.

Layer: In a casserole dish, layer half the pasta, dollops of ricotta, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan. Repeat with the rest.

Unbaked ziti casserole topped with shredded mozzarella and ready for the oven.

Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more, until golden and bubbly.

Golden baked ziti topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs in a white casserole dish.

Pro Tips

Cook the pasta just until al dente—it’ll finish in the oven.
Add extra cheese on top and broil for a crispy, cheesy crust.
Add fresh basil or thyme for even more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic breadsticks or a crisp Caesar salad
Classic tiramisu or mascarpone desserts for a sweet finish

Storage & Meal Prep

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freeze: Assemble but don’t bake; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.
Reheat: Microwave or bake until hot and bubbly.

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes—try cottage cheese, mascarpone, or just extra mozzarella if you prefer.

Do I have to use ziti?

Nope! Penne or rigatoni work perfectly.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—just skip the meat or add your favorite roasted veggies.

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes—assemble, freeze, then thaw and bake for fresh-from-the-oven comfort.