Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting pasta dish that brings together tender ziti noodles, rich tomato sauce, and flavorful ground beef all baked under a layer of melty cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, with its mix of stretchy mozzarella and tangy marinara sauce making every bite satisfying.
I love making this dish because it’s really easy to put together and always gets everyone at the table excited. One of my favorite parts is when the cheese crisps up a little on top, giving it just the right amount of gooeyness and golden brown texture. I usually add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten it up, which adds a fresh twist to this classic comfort food.
When I serve baked ziti, I like to pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners since it can be baked ahead and just pulled out of the oven right before eating. This dish always brings back memories of family meals and cozy weekend lunches, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ziti Pasta: Ziti works great for holding sauce, but you can swap in penne or rigatoni if you don’t have ziti. These pasta shapes also trap sauce in their tubes well.
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for flavor and juiciness. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works fine but may need extra seasoning.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess and balances the tomato sauce. If you’re avoiding dairy, try mashed cottage cheese or a vegan ricotta alternative.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella gives that stretchy cheese pull, while Parmesan adds sharpness. Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina, and Parmesan with Asiago if needed.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade sauce brings extra flavor. You can also mix in crushed tomatoes with garlic and herbs as a simple swap.
How Do You Get the Cheese on Top Perfectly Melted and Golden?
Getting that bubbly, golden cheese on top is key to baked ziti’s charm. Here’s what I do:
- Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for flavor and browning.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the dish to cover all pasta.
- Bake the dish uncovered so the cheese crisps up nicely.
- Keep an eye on the oven – if it’s not browning by the end, use the broiler for 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
This way, you get a cheesy crust that’s slightly crunchy but gooey underneath, adding great texture to each bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the ziti pasta evenly without sticking.
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions.
- Wooden spoon – helps break up the meat and stir the sauce smoothly.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – roomy enough for the pasta mix to bake and get bubbly.
- Colander – to drain the cooked pasta easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, richer flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in chopped spinach or kale with ricotta for a fresh, healthy boost.
- Top with sliced fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for gooey, melty cheese pockets.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation, 20-25 minutes for baking, plus a few extra minutes to let the dish rest before serving. Overall, the whole process should take around 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta and Sauce:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the ziti pasta until it’s just al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Combine Sauce:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Mix Layers and Bake:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the ground beef sauce. Add the ricotta cheese along with half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and mix everything thoroughly. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a nice touch.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the ground beef completely in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Use Different Cheese in Baked Ziti?
Yes! If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese is a fine substitute. For mozzarella, provolone or fontina works well, and Parmesan can be swapped with Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
