Baked Ricotta Spinach Beef Pasta (Print Version)
Hearty layers of pasta, rich beef sauce, spinach, and ricotta, all baked for an easy Italian-inspired dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta & Protein
01 - 10.5 ounces ziti
02 - 14 ounces ground beef
03 - 2 cups marinara sauce
→ Cheese Layer
04 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
05 - 1 cup chopped spinach
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
# How to Make It:
01 - Cook ziti in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. In a separate pan, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer 2 minutes.
02 - Combine ricotta cheese and chopped spinach in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until spinach is evenly distributed.
03 - In a baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, followed by half the beef and marinara mixture, and half the ricotta-spinach mixture. Repeat layers. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
04 - Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Quick to assemble and perfect for busy weeknights
- Features high protein and leafy greens in every serving
- Only a handful of everyday ingredients needed
- Delivers that classic cheesy baked pasta taste
02 -
- Packed with protein and iron-rich spinach
- Can be assembled ahead for next-day baking
- Makes perfect leftovers that reheat beautifully
03 -
- Letting the pasta cool before layering keeps it firm and helps the dish slice cleaner
- For the best texture always squeeze spinach dry so the ricotta layer stays thick and luscious
- Do not skip the rest after baking patience is rewarded with perfect cheesy squares