Start with a cozy question: craving a warm, cheesy dinner that feeds the family and leaves leftovers for tomorrow? This Baked Ziti with Ricotta hits that spot. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting with a little Italian spice and a golden, bubbly top that makes everyone smile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, simple weekend dinners, or when you want a no-fuss crowd-pleaser.
This baked ziti blends tender pasta, savory meat (or a meat-free swap), and a smooth ricotta layer. The texture is creamy inside with a crisp, browned cheese top. It’s special because the ricotta keeps every forkful rich without being heavy, and the dish warms up beautifully the next day perfect for meal prep or feeding hungry kids after practice.
Top reasons to make this:
- It’s easy to assemble and bakes while you relax.
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about an hour from start to finish.
- Uses basic ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Freezes and reheats well for quick meals later.
- Kid-friendly and easy to customize.
(If you enjoy mixing comfort food ideas and bold flavor matches, you might like reading about flavor combos in this post on pairing flavors.)
Ingredients of Baked Ziti with Ricotta
- 8 oz ziti pasta, dry
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey, lean
- 15 oz ricotta cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions of Baked Ziti with Ricotta
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than the package suggests). Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat.
- Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked meat and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors.
- Mix the ricotta, remaining Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Toss the drained ziti with half the meat sauce so the pasta is coated.
- Spread half the sauced pasta into the baking dish. Dollop and gently spread the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
- Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets and slices cleanly.
Tips for Success
- Use al dente pasta: it will finish cooking in the oven and won’t get mushy.
- Warm the ricotta slightly or stir well so it spreads easily.
- Let the bake rest before cutting to keep neat slices.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Substitutions & Variations of Baked Ziti with Ricotta
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Use gluten-free ziti or penne.
- Swap ricotta for a tofu ricotta (blend firm tofu, a splash of lemon, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt).
- Use vegan mozzarella and plant-based ground “meat” or lentils in place of beef.
Variations:
- Stir in chopped spinach or kale with the ricotta for added greens.
- Swap half the ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
- Add sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers into the meat sauce for extra depth.
- Mix in a spoonful of pesto before serving for a bright twist.
Storage Instructions of Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave single servings.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container or foil-wrapped dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the ziti in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Can I skip the meat and still get good flavor?
Yes use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based crumbled meat substitute and boost the sauce with extra herbs.
How do I keep the top cheesy and not dry?
Cover the dish with foil for most of the bake time, then uncover near the end so the cheese melts and browns without drying out.
Can I make this ahead and bake from frozen?
Yes. Freeze the assembled dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) covered for about 45–60 minutes, then uncover and bake until bubbly and browned. Times vary by oven and dish size.
Final Toughts
Baked Ziti with Ricotta is an easy, comforting meal that feels homemade without a lot of fuss. It’s creamy, cheesy, and makes great leftovers proof that comfort food can also be convenient. Try the dish, leave a comment, and give it a star rating to let others know how it turned out I’d love to hear which variation you picked!
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Baked Ziti with Ricotta
A creamy, cheesy baked ziti that is perfect for a warm family dinner and makes great leftovers.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz ziti pasta, dry
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey, lean
- 15 oz ricotta cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than the package suggests). Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat.
- Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked meat and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors.
- Mix the ricotta, remaining Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Toss the drained ziti with half the meat sauce so the pasta is coated.
- Spread half the sauced pasta into the baking dish. Dollop and gently spread the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
- Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets and slices cleanly.
Notes
Let the pasta rest before cutting to ensure neat slices. Use al dente pasta as it finishes cooking in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian