Nothing beats walking into a kitchen filled with the smell of bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce. This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table without asking twice. My sister once made this for a potluck and came home with an empty dish and five requests for the recipe. The pasta soaks up all that savory marinara, the ground beef adds heartiness, and the melted cheese on top? Pure comfort in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
This recipe checks every box for a satisfying dinner that doesn't require fancy ingredients or culinary skills. The Baked Ziti with Ground Beef comes together quickly, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better the next day. My kids fight over leftovers, which tells you everything you need to know.
It's one of those comfort food classics that never goes out of style. You get layers of flavor from the seasoned meat, tangy marinara sauce, and three types of cheese that melt into gooey perfection. Plus, it's a make-ahead dream for busy weeks.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- What You'll Need
- How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Aliana's Kitchen Wisdom
- Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Storage & Serving Tips
- What to Serve With Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- FAQs About Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Related
- Pairing
- More DINNER
What You'll Need
Just a handful of pantry staples and you're halfway there. This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen genius without breaking a sweat.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 ounces)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Optional Extras
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, swap ground beef for Italian sausage, or toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don't overcook it since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then stir for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, and the egg. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy. This cheese mixture is what makes the dish so rich and satisfying.
Combine Everything Together
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef and stir to combine. Add the cooked ziti pasta and half of the ricotta mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it's going in cold from the fridge.
Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Dollop the remaining ricotta mixture on top and spread it gently. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over everything. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Aliana's Kitchen Wisdom
The secret to the best baked ziti is not overcooking your pasta in the first step.
It should be just shy of tender because it will finish cooking in the oven while absorbing all that delicious sauce.
My mom taught me this trick after I kept serving mushy pasta for years.
Also, letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking helps everything set so you get clean slices instead of a saucy mess on the plate.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version. You can use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti pasta. No ricotta? Cottage cheese works surprisingly well. Add cooked Italian sausage or crumbled meatballs for even more protein and flavor.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil. This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Pair this with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. My family loves it with a crisp Caesar salad and breadsticks for dipping in the extra sauce. A light side balances out the richness of all that cheese and meat.
FAQs About Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or any tube-shaped pasta works perfectly. Just cook it al dente so it doesn't get mushy during baking.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
Cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove it for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese get golden and bubbly.
How do I prevent the top from burning?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen by adding 20 extra minutes covered.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
No, you can substitute cottage cheese or even a mix of cream cheese and sour cream for a different texture and flavor.
More Recipes You'll Love
If this hearty pasta dish hit the spot, you'll want to explore more ground beef recipes that are just as comforting and easy to make. These satisfying meals bring that same cozy vibe to your Dinner table. Want more Italian classics? Marinara sauce recipes and oven-baked pasta dishes never disappoint.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe:
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