Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Baked ziti with ground beef is the kind of pasta dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s rich, hearty, and full of Italian-inspired comfort, with layers of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, tangy marinara, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. Every bite is a mix of creamy cheese and meaty tomato sauce that satisfies in the most comforting way.

More Dinner Ideas

What makes this dish so special is its versatility and simplicity. It combines familiar pantry ingredients into something that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning Sunday dinner, or prepping for a busy week, baked ziti with ground beef is a classic that never disappoints. This recipe captures the essence of Easy Baked Ziti and brings together the best parts of Ground Beef Recipes and Pasta Dishes. You’ll end up with a flavorful, bubbling casserole that’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with Italian goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this baked ziti with ground beef truly special isn’t just the ingredients but the technique behind it. As a chef, I’ve learned that the best pasta bakes are all about balance between sauce, pasta, and cheese and how each layer enhances the other.

Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen:

It’s foolproof and family-friendly. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are everyday staples, but the end result tastes like you spent hours on it.
Perfect balance of texture and flavor. The ground beef adds richness, while the ziti stays tender yet holds its bite. The cheese melts into creamy layers that contrast beautifully with the tomato sauce.
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly. It’s one of those Main Dish Recipes that you can prepare in advance and bake just before serving.
Customizable for any preference. Whether you love extra cheese, more sauce, or a bit of spice, this Baked Ziti Recipe adjusts easily to your taste.
Restaurant-quality at home. The flavor depth you get from simmering the sauce and baking it all together mimics authentic Italian Dishes but without the complexity.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also Serving

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

This baked ziti with ground beef serves six generous portions. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings where you want something satisfying and comforting on the table.

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Substitution Notes

You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if needed.
Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace ground beef for a lighter or spicier version.
Cottage cheese may be used instead of ricotta for a different texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook for about 8 to 9 minutes, just until al dente. Drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This forms the base flavor of your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in marinara sauce and tomato sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a deep, rich aroma.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce. Mix until every piece of pasta is coated evenly.

Step 6: Layer the Ziti

In a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Add dollops of ricotta cheese across the top, sprinkle half of the mozzarella, and then spoon the remaining pasta over. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top for a golden crust.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the baked ziti with ground beef rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut clean portions.

How to Serve

Baked ziti with ground beef is hearty enough to be the star of your meal, but it pairs beautifully with lighter sides and fresh elements to balance the richness.

Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are excellent for soaking up any extra sauce. If you want a touch of freshness, top the pasta with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
For a full Italian-inspired dinner, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a small bowl of minestrone soup. This combination keeps your meal wholesome and comforting without feeling heavy.
When plating, scoop the ziti cleanly with a spatula, ensuring each serving has pasta, sauce, and cheese in every bite. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan right before serving for that professional touch.

Additional Tips

Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Don’t skip resting time. It helps the sauce and cheese bind for neater slices.
Add moisture if reheating. A spoonful of marinara or a splash of water will bring leftovers back to life.
Simmer your sauce. Even 10 minutes of simmering deepens the flavor.
Avoid overcooking pasta. Al dente pasta ensures the best texture after baking.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic baked ziti with ground beef, you can easily experiment with delicious twists to make it suit your mood, taste, or dietary preferences. Here are some creative and flavorful variations worth trying:

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Replace some or all of the ground beef with Italian sausage for a bolder, spicier flavor. Sweet or hot sausage both work beautifully. Remove the casing before browning, and enjoy the deeper, authentic Italian richness it brings.
Three-Cheese Baked Ziti
Combine mozzarella, ricotta, and provolone (or fontina) for a perfectly creamy and gooey texture. The trio adds stretch, tang, and creaminess, making this version extra indulgent for cheese lovers.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti
Omit the beef and fill your dish with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted eggplant. Add lentils or meatless crumbles for a protein boost. It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying without the meat.
Spicy Baked Ziti
Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for a kick of heat. Spicy Italian sausage or pepper jack cheese can also elevate the flavor. Pair it with garlic bread and a glass of red wine for a bold, cozy meal.
Baked Ziti with Alfredo Sauce
Swap the tomato-based sauce for Alfredo or homemade béchamel to create a creamy white baked ziti. Add spinach, broccoli, or shredded chicken for a comforting, restaurant-style twist.
Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey or Chicken
Lighten up the dish by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These lean meats make the recipe healthier while still keeping the flavor rich and satisfying. Season generously for best results.
One-Pan Baked Ziti
Skip the baking dish and make it all in one skillet. Brown the meat, add sauce and water, stir in uncooked pasta, and simmer until tender. Top with cheese and broil briefly for a time-saving weeknight meal.
Baked Ziti with Hidden Veggies
Puree carrots, zucchini, or butternut squash into the sauce for a boost of nutrition and natural sweetness. This version is great for kids and picky eaters while keeping the texture smooth and creamy.
Greek-Inspired Baked Ziti
Give it a Mediterranean flair by using ground lamb instead of beef, feta cheese instead of ricotta, and season the sauce with oregano, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It’s a cross between Italian ziti and Greek pastitsio—hearty, aromatic, and unforgettable.
Four-Season Ziti
Celebrate seasonal produce by swapping vegetables based on the time of year—roasted peppers and tomatoes in summer, mushrooms and kale in fall, or asparagus and peas in spring. It keeps the recipe fresh and exciting all year round.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake covered at 350°F until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved with a splash of water or sauce.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories: 480
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 640mg

Final Words

Cooking baked ziti with ground beef at home isn’t just about creating a comforting meal it’s about mastering one of the most rewarding pasta dishes an everyday cook can make. Every bite carries that perfect balance of tender pasta, rich meaty sauce, and melted cheese that feels like a warm embrace. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility: you can make it for a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or a cozy dinner with friends, and it always delivers. Once you’ve made it yourself, you’ll realize that no restaurant version compares to the flavor and satisfaction of your homemade baked ziti.

Beyond its taste, this dish teaches valuable kitchen lessons timing the sauce, layering flavors, managing textures, and baking to perfection. It helps home cooks understand how humble ingredients like pasta, cheese, and ground beef can turn into something extraordinary with the right care. That’s why baked ziti with ground beef is more than a recipe it’s a foundation for confidence in the kitchen. Every time you pull a bubbling pan of golden, cheesy pasta out of the oven, you’re not just cooking dinner; you’re building skill and tradition.

So next time you’re craving something hearty and comforting, skip the takeout and make this recipe instead. Keep it classic, or put your own twist on it either way, it will become a dish you return to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making leftovers for the week, baked ziti with ground beef is the kind of meal that reminds everyone why homemade always tastes best.

FAQ’s

Yes. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if it’s straight from the fridge.

Yes. Penne or rigatoni work perfectly. Just avoid smaller pasta shapes like macaroni, as they can become mushy.

Absolutely. Choose a quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. You can also mix jarred sauce with a bit of tomato paste or herbs to enhance depth.

Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef for a zesty kick.

Properly wrapped, it stays good for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.