This baked ziti with ground beef layers tender pasta tubes with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. I first made this on a chilly Tuesday when I needed something warm and filling that didn't require much fuss, and it's been my go-to ever since. The whole thing comes together in about an hour with ingredients you probably already have, and it feeds a crowd without any stress.
If you're looking for more easy comfort dinners, try this Thai Basil Beef Recipe(ready in 20 minutes or less) or this cozy Lebanese Red Lentil Soup Recipe(ready in 30 minutes), or even this bright Lemon Artichoke Chicken Recipe(ready in 45 minutes).
What Makes Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Special
Baked ziti with ground beef is one of those Italian-American classics that never goes out of style. It's like lasagna's easier, less fussy cousin. You get all the same cheesy, saucy comfort without the precise layering or the stress of getting those noodles just right.
This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef works beautifully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you need to feed a group. You can even make it ahead and pop it in the oven when you're ready. The combination of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and two kinds of melted cheese creates layers of flavor that everyone loves.
Jump to:
- What Makes Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Special
- Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Ingredients
- How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment For Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Storage Tips For Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Ingredients
Here's everything that goes into this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, hearty baked pasta.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
For the Pasta and Meat Sauce:
- Ziti or rigatoni pasta: Ziti's tubular shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, but rigatoni works just as well if that's what you have.
- Olive oil: A little oil keeps the onions from sticking and adds richness to the sauce.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings warmth and a savory bite that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Lean ground beef: The base of your meat sauce. Lean beef keeps things from getting too greasy.
- Kosher salt: Divided between the meat sauce and ricotta layer to season everything properly.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flavor without needing a dozen different spice jars.
- Garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlicky goodness to the beef.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but a small pinch adds a gentle warmth. Go easy unless you want it spicy.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have it. This is what ties everything together.
For the Ricotta Layer:
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta creates pockets of richness throughout the casserole and keeps everything moist.
- Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it holds together when you scoop out servings.
- Mozzarella cheese: Divided between the ricotta mixture and the top for maximum meltiness and stretch.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds sharp, nutty flavor. Save some for sprinkling on top so it gets golden and crispy.
For Serving:
- Fresh basil or parsley: A sprinkle of chopped herbs on top adds color and freshness.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Here's how to put this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef together from start to finish.
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks.
Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook it until just shy of al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions say. Drain it well but don't rinse it. Set it aside while you make the sauce.
Make the meat sauce: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells fragrant and makes your mouth water.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with half a teaspoon of the salt, the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until it's browned all the way through and no pink remains. If there's a lot of grease pooling in the pan, drain it off.
Simmer with marinara: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked beef mixture. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors can mingle and get to know each other. Take the skillet off the heat.
Make the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, egg, half a cup of the Parmesan, and the remaining half teaspoon of salt until it's smooth and well combined.
Combine pasta and sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with about 1 cup of the meat sauce until every tube is lightly coated. Spoon half of this saucy pasta into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Layer it up: Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer and gently spread it around. It doesn't have to be perfect. Pour 1 cup of meat sauce over the ricotta and sprinkle with half a cup of mozzarella. Repeat the whole process with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and sauce.
Top it off: Finish by sprinkling the remaining half cup of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan over the top.
Bake: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and turning golden brown in spots. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it sets up and doesn't fall apart when you scoop it.
Substitutions and Variations
Ground turkey or chicken: Swap the beef for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
Cottage cheese instead of ricotta: Some people love using cottage cheese in place of ricotta. It works just fine and costs less.
Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: Use whatever pasta fits your needs. The recipe works the same way.
Add vegetables: Sneak in some chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers with the onions for extra nutrition.
Spicy version: Double the red pepper flakes or add some hot Italian sausage along with the Baked Ziti with Ground Beef.
Extra cheesy: Toss in some shredded provolone or fontina for even more cheesy goodness.
Equipment For Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for this recipe and feeds six people comfortably.
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Large skillet: To brown the beef and simmer the sauce.
- Medium mixing bowl: For combining the ricotta mixture.
- Large mixing bowl: To toss the pasta with sauce before layering.
- Aluminum foil: Keeps the top from browning too quickly while the inside heats through.
Storage Tips For Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Refrigerator: Cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. This keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze Baked Ziti with Ground Beef either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It'll keep frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. For a whole dish, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few simple sides make it even better.
Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and a nice contrast in texture. A light Italian white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing pairing.
Expert Tips
Undercook the pasta slightly. Cooking it just shy of al dente prevents it from turning mushy during baking. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven as it absorbs the sauce.
Don't skip the egg in the ricotta. It helps everything bind together so you get clean slices instead of a soupy mess.
Let it rest after baking. Those 5 to 10 minutes make a huge difference. The casserole sets up and becomes much easier to serve.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as smoothly. A block of Parmesan that you grate yourself makes the top beautifully golden.
Cover with foil first. This traps steam and heat so the middle gets hot without the top burning.
Taste your marinara. If it's bland, add a pinch of sugar, extra garlic, or a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten it up.
Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
It's ridiculously easy. You don't need any special skills or fancy techniques. If you can boil pasta and brown ground beef, you can make this.
The flavors are rich and comforting. The marinara mingles with the seasoned beef, and the ricotta adds a creamy layer that balances everything out.
It's a complete meal in one dish. You get protein, carbs, and plenty of cheese all Baked Ziti with Ground Beef together into one bubbling, golden casserole.
Perfect for meal prep. This reheats beautifully, so you can make it on Sunday and eat well all week.
Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. Six generous servings from simple pantry ingredients? Yes, please.
FAQ
Does ziti have ground beef in it?
Not always. Traditional ziti can be made with or without meat. This version includes seasoned ground beef for extra heartiness and protein, but you can absolutely make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more vegetables or just sticking with marinara and cheese.
What meat goes with baked ziti?
Ground beef is the most common choice because it's affordable and flavorful. You can also use Italian sausage (sweet or hot), ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a combination of meats. Some people like to use bulk sausage mixed with ground beef for extra flavor.
What are the common mistakes when cooking ziti?
The biggest mistake is overcooking the pasta before baking. It continues to cook in the oven, so if it's already fully cooked when you assemble the dish, it'll turn mushy. Another common mistake is skipping the resting time after baking, which makes it hard to serve neat portions. Also, using too much sauce can make the dish watery.
Is baked ziti basically lasagna?
They're similar but not quite the same. Both are baked pasta casseroles with cheese and sauce, but lasagna uses flat noodles and requires more precise layering. Baked Ziti with Ground Beef uses tubular pasta and has a more casual, rustic assembly. Think of ziti as lasagna's relaxed, easygoing cousin. You get the same comforting flavors with way less fuss.
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Pairing
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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- ¾ pound ziti or rigatoni pasta dry sturdy shape for baking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing the aromatics
- ½ medium yellow onion finely chopped for even cooking
- 3 cloves garlic minced to release flavor
- 1 pound lean ground beef for a hearty sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided to season in layers
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning for classic herb flavor
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder to boost the savory notes
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for gentle heat
- 24 ounces marinara sauce jarred or homemade for convenience
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese whole milk for creaminess
- 1 large egg to help the ricotta set
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided for melting layers
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided for sharp salty flavor
- Fresh basil or parsley optional for a fresh finish
Instructions
- Set the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just slightly underdone, then drain and set aside without rinsing.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the onion, and cook until soft and translucent, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, half of the salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using, and cook while breaking up the meat until fully browned, then drain excess fat if needed.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes before taking it off the heat.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, half of the Parmesan, and the remaining salt until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with about one cup of the meat sauce until evenly coated.
- Spread half of the sauced pasta into the baking dish, add spoonfuls of half the ricotta mixture and gently spread it, then top with one cup of meat sauce and half of the mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and sauce, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Let the baked ziti rest for several minutes before serving so the layers can set, then garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
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