Baked ziti with ground beef is one of those comforting, all-time favorite casseroles that brings everyone to the table. It’s hearty, cheesy, saucy, and filled with rich Italian flavors—perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a crowd. This dish combines layers of pasta, well-seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese baked to golden perfection.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and versatile. You can easily prepare it ahead, freeze it, or customize it to your taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
1. Comfort Food Classic
This baked ziti is rich, warm, and satisfying—exactly what you crave in a homemade comfort meal.
2. Easy to Prepare
The steps are simple: brown the beef, boil the pasta, mix, layer, and bake.
3. Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
You can assemble it ahead and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake.
4. Perfect for Leftovers
It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients List
For the Meat Sauce:
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1 pound ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
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1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richness)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta and Cheese Layer:
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1 pound ziti pasta (or penne as a substitute)
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1½ cups ricotta cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
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Total Time: 50–60 minutes
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Servings: 6–8 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Ground Beef Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Simmer
Add marinara sauce, tomato paste (if using), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Mix until smooth. This creamy layer adds richness and helps bind the ziti.
Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer half the cooked ziti, then spread the ricotta mixture on top. Add more meat sauce, then sprinkle half the mozzarella. Repeat with remaining ziti, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve hot.
Substitutions and Variations
Meat Options
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Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or a mix of meats.
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Use Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat entirely or add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or lentils for a vegetarian twist.
Low-Carb Option
Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of pasta.
Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti
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Don’t overcook the pasta. It will continue cooking in the oven.
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Use quality sauce. A good marinara makes a big difference—store-bought or homemade.
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Cover with foil first. This keeps the top from burning while everything heats through.
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Let it rest before serving. This helps the cheese set and the slices hold together.
Serving Suggestions
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Garlic Bread: A classic side to soak up the sauce.
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Green Salad: Something light and fresh balances the richness.
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Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or green beans work well.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Assemble the baked ziti but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating
Cover and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, or use a microwave for individual servings.
Make-Ahead Instructions
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Prepare the full dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Freeze in portions for easy weeknight dinners.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per Serving)
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Calories: 450–550
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Protein: 28g
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Fat: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 700mg
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese works well and is a bit lighter in texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sauce is gluten-free.
What’s the best cheese for baked ziti?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, but provolone or fontina are great additions.
Do I have to use an egg in the ricotta?
No, but it helps the cheese layer hold its shape when baked.
Conclusion
Baked ziti with ground beef is a timeless, family-favorite casserole that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that brings comfort, satisfaction, and flexibility—whether you’re cooking for two or a full table. With its bubbling cheese, savory beef, and rich tomato sauce, it’s guaranteed to be a hit every time.
Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Don’t forget to save a few slices—you’ll want leftovers.