Ground Beef Baked Ziti

Introduction

Ground Beef Baked Ziti is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting pasta casserole that’s loved in many households. With layers of tender ziti pasta, rich ground beef tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, it’s a dish that satisfies both kids and adults. It’s often compared to lasagna but is simpler to make, requiring fewer layers while still delivering that same deliciously indulgent flavor.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week, baked ziti is one of those recipes that feels like home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. Unlike lasagna, which requires careful layering, baked ziti is more forgiving and quicker to assemble. The beefy marinara sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted cheese on top make every bite comforting and satisfying. It’s also a make-ahead friendly dish that freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it even on busy nights.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Easy to prepare: Quicker than lasagna, but just as comforting.
• Family-friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Meal-prep superstar: Make it ahead, refrigerate or freeze, and bake later.
• Perfect for gatherings: Feeds a crowd without extra fuss.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8
• Calories: ~430 per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Beef Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta (penne works too)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Cooking Directions

1. Cook Pasta
   • Boil ziti pasta in salted water until al dente (slightly undercooked since it will bake). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Beef Sauce
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet.
   • Add onion and cook until softened.
   • Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned.
   • Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
   • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken.
3. Prepare Cheese Mixture
   • In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
4. Assemble Ziti
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of beef sauce.
   • Add half the pasta, then half the ricotta mixture, half the mozzarella, and more sauce.
   • Repeat layers: pasta → ricotta → mozzarella → sauce.
   • Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake
   • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Rest & Serve
   • Let baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil pasta until al dente.
2. Brown beef, onion, and garlic. Add tomatoes and spices; simmer sauce.
3. Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
4. Layer pasta, cheese mixture, beef sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat.
5. Bake covered, then uncovered until cheese melts.
6. Rest before slicing for neat layers.

How to Serve

• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
• Add a glass of red wine (like Chianti or Merlot) for an elevated meal.

Recipe Tips

• Slightly undercook pasta before baking to prevent mushiness.
• Use fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• Make ahead: assemble ziti, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat in the sauce.

Variations

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Meat Lovers’ Ziti: Use a mix of ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni.
• Creamy Alfredo Ziti: Swap tomato sauce for Alfredo sauce and add chicken.
• Four-Cheese Ziti: Use ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone.
• Gluten-Free Ziti: Use gluten-free pasta and sauce.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for ~1 hour 15 minutes.
• Freezer (Baked): Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Sauce spoon & spatula
• Aluminum foil

FAQ

Q1: Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, penne is the best substitute if ziti isn’t available.

Q2: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes — it makes the dish lighter and higher in protein.

Q3: Do I need to cover baked ziti while baking?
Yes, cover with foil first to keep it moist, then uncover to brown the cheese.

Q4: Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes — assemble, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Baked Ziti is a comfort food classic that combines rich beef sauce, creamy cheese, and pasta baked to perfection. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven, as leftovers the next day, or frozen for later, baked ziti is always a winning recipe to keep in your rotation.