Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting pasta dish that brings together tender ziti noodles, rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and savory ground beef all baked to bubbly perfection. The golden cheese on top and the hearty, meaty filling make it a family-favorite dinner that’s both simple and satisfying.
I love making this dish when I want something warm and easy that fills the whole house with a delicious smell. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for a few days, which always makes busy weeknights easier. I usually like to mix in plenty of garlic and a pinch of oregano to keep the flavors bright and fresh, but still classic.
My favorite way to enjoy baked ziti is just as it comes out of the oven, with a crispy edge and the cheese stretching with every bite. Sometimes I add a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. Honestly, this is the kind of dish that always feels like a little homemade hug on a plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ziti Pasta: This tubular pasta holds sauce well, but penne or rigatoni are great swaps if you don’t have ziti. Just use whatever pasta you have on hand!
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and fat. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Plant-based crumbles are great if you want to keep it meat-free.
Ricotta Cheese: It adds creaminess and a soft texture. You can substitute cottage cheese or mascarpone if you prefer a slightly different taste or texture.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella gives that stretchy, melty cheese layer, while Parmesan adds sharpness. Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina if you want a different twist.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought both work well here. If you want a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cheesy, Golden Top?
Getting that beautiful golden crust is all about layering and baking.
- Layer your pasta: Spread half the pasta mixture first, then cheese, then the rest of pasta, finishing with plenty of cheese on top.
- Use a mix of cheeses: Mozzarella melts nicely and browns well. Parmesan adds flavor and helps with browning too.
- Bake uncovered: Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered so the cheese gets bubbly and golden without steaming.
- Watch the time: 25-30 minutes usually does it. You can switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes if you want extra browning—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Let the baked ziti rest a few minutes after baking to let the cheese set and make it easier to serve. This little step goes a long way to keeping it neat and tasty!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil the ziti pasta; a big pot helps prevent sticking.
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and cooking the sauce in one pan.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – roomy enough for layering the pasta and cheese for even baking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the sauce and breaking up ground beef.
- Colander – to drain the cooked pasta easily without spills.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, more seasoned flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in some red pepper flakes for a gentle heat boost.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer, creamier texture.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Meat:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce & Cheese:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato pasta sauce)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Veggies & Flavorings:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
It takes about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and cook the pasta, 10-15 minutes to brown the beef and make the sauce, and 25-30 minutes to bake the dish. Altogether, plan for around 50-60 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water following the package directions until it’s tender but still firm (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir well and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon until it’s browned all over and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Then stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.
3. Assemble and Bake:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and meat sauce until everything is well combined. Spread half of this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese on top.
Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
4. Rest and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for a bright, fresh touch. Enjoy your warm, cheesy baked ziti!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it first to cook evenly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid soggy sauce.
Can I Prepare Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake for the full time plus a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until bubbly or microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses in This Recipe?
Yes! Mozzarella can be swapped with provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor. Ricotta can be replaced with cottage cheese or mascarpone if preferred.
