Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting pasta dish that’s filled with tender ziti noodles, savory ground beef, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, with layers of marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella that make every bite satisfying and filling.
I love making this dish when I want something simple but special enough to impress family or friends. One of my favorite things is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time—you can assemble it, pop it in the oven, and go relax until it’s perfectly bubbly and golden on top. The ground beef adds just the right amount of richness without overpowering the tomato sauce or pasta.
For serving, I like to pair it with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread to soak up all the extra sauce. It’s great for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers because everyone seems to enjoy it, and leftovers are just as good the next day. Whenever I make it, it reminds me of family dinners and simple times spent around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ziti Pasta: This pasta holds sauce well thanks to its tube shape. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni work just as well. Just make sure to cook until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for good flavor and moisture. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in, though the dish will be less rich.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that classic stretchy, melty texture. Ricotta adds creaminess but is optional if you want a lighter dish. Parmesan adds a nice sharpness. You can try provolone or Pecorino Romano as alternatives.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara works fine, but homemade or a high-quality jarred sauce really ups the flavor. You can add more herbs or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if needed.
How Do I Get the Sauce to Be Thick and Flavorful without Being Watery?
Making a thick and tasty sauce is key to this baked ziti shining. Follow these tips:
- Drain the canned tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid.
- Simmer the sauce mixture for at least 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
- After browning the ground beef and onions, make sure to drain any fat to prevent greasiness.
- Mix the pasta and sauce thoroughly but don’t add extra water after draining pasta.
- If you find the sauce too thin before baking, let it reduce a few more minutes on the stove.
By doing this, your baked ziti will be rich with sauce clinging nicely to each noodle, instead of sitting in a pool of liquid. This makes every bite just right!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the ziti pasta evenly without sticking.
- Skillet or frying pan – to brown the ground beef and cook the sauce.
- Large mixing bowl – to combine the pasta and sauce smoothly.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for layering and baking the ziti evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the meat and sauce without scratching pans.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, richer flavor.
- Add sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in chopped fresh spinach or kale for a healthy green boost.
- Top with shredded provolone or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a different cheesy twist.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Meat:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheeses:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare your baked ziti in about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time. Cooking the pasta and meat sauce takes roughly 20 minutes. Baking the dish adds about 30 minutes, including covered and uncovered baking time. In total, from start to finish, expect around 1 hour before dinner is ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using olive oil or nonstick spray so the pasta doesn’t stick later.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package directions until just tender (al dente). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Meat Sauce:
While the pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain off any excess fat.
4. Add Sauce and Seasonings:
Pour in the marinara sauce and drained diced tomatoes. Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce thickens.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the meat sauce until everything is evenly combined. If you want a creamier texture, spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the mixture and gently fold it in.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over this layer. Add the remaining pasta mix on top and then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake and Serve:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a bright touch.
This baked ziti is warm, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef and rich tomato flavors. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or sharing with friends and family. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the ground beef before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results. Fully thawed beef ensures even cooking and better texture.
Can I Prepare Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake it from cold—just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed throughout. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese is a good alternative that adds creaminess. For a dairy-free option, you can omit it or use a vegan cream cheese substitute. The dish will still be delicious and cheesy with mozzarella and Parmesan.
