Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

#### Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped **onion** and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the **minced garlic** and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the **ground beef** to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

#### Step 3: Make the Sauce
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the **marinara sauce**, **oregano**, **basil**, and **red pepper flakes** (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

#### Step 4: Combine with Ricotta Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ricotta cheese**, **1 cup of shredded mozzarella**, and **grated Parmesan cheese**. Stir until the cheeses are well incorporated.

#### Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti
In a large baking dish, layer the ingredients. Start with a small amount of the beef and sauce mixture at the bottom, then add half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top with half of the ricotta cheese mixture and spread it evenly. Add more of the beef and sauce mixture over the ricotta layer, followed by the remaining pasta and the rest of the ricotta mixture.

Top the casserole with the remaining **mozzarella cheese** and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra cheesiness.

#### Step 6: Bake the Ziti
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about **25 minutes**. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional **10-15 minutes** until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the ziti is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh **basil** or **parsley** for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve the Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta alongside a crisp green salad and some warm, crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Sangiovese.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. **Comforting and Hearty**: The combination of rich cheeses, savory ground beef, and marinara sauce makes this dish a comforting favorite that is filling and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside!

2. **Easy to Make**: Baked Ziti is one of those dishes that comes together relatively easily, with minimal prep time. You can prepare everything in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.

3. **Crowd-Pleaser**: Whether you’re serving a small family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is always a hit. It’s easy to make in large batches, and even picky eaters will love the combination of flavors.

4. **Customizable**: This recipe is highly versatile! You can switch up the ground beef with ground turkey, sausage, or even vegetables for a vegetarian version. Add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for more flavor and nutrients.

5. **Leftover-Friendly**: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), Baked Ziti tastes even better the next day. Simply store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

### Tips for Success

– **Use Fresh Ricotta**: Fresh ricotta cheese will give your Baked Ziti a creamier, more authentic texture and flavor. If you can, buy it from a local deli or specialty store.

– **Don’t Overcook the Pasta**: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, be sure to cook it al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite. This will prevent it from becoming too soft during the baking process.

– **Add Extra Cheese**: If you’re a fan of extra cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or even some provolone or cheddar to the top before baking. The more cheese, the better!

– **Make it Ahead**: Baked Ziti can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply assemble the dish and cover it with plastic wrap or foil, then bake when you’re ready to serve.

### Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a special holiday meal. It’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, with layers of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of pasta, beef, ricotta, and mozzarella is a classic that never goes out of style. So next time you’re in need of a comforting meal that everyone will love, give this Baked Ziti recipe a try. It’s sure to become a family favorite!