Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a classic comfort food that brings together tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. The tomato sauce clings to every piece of ziti, making each bite rich and delicious. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for feeding a hungry family or a crowd of friends.
I love making this recipe because it’s so straightforward but always feels special. Brown the beef with some garlic and onions, mix it with marinara, then toss it all with pasta and a mix of cheeses before popping it in the oven. The bubbling cheese on top is the best part—I always sneak a peek right before it’s done because it looks too good to resist!
My favorite way to serve baked ziti is with a simple green salad and a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the sauce. It’s an easy meal that feels hearty and satisfying, especially on chilly evenings. Plus, it’s a great dish to make ahead and reheat—the flavors get even better the next day. This is definitely a go-to comfort food in my kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ziti pasta: This tubular pasta holds sauce well and bakes nicely. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni work great as substitutes since they have similar shapes.
Ground beef: I prefer lean ground beef (around 85%) to keep the dish hearty without too much grease. You can swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Marinara sauce: Using a good quality marinara makes a big difference. Store-bought is fine; just choose one you like. For more flavor, add fresh herbs or a pinch of sugar if your sauce tastes too acidic.
Cheeses: Ricotta adds creaminess while mozzarella melts beautifully on top. Parmesan gives a sharp, salty kick. If needed, try using cottage cheese instead of ricotta or a mix of mozzarella and fontina for melting.
How Do You Get the Cheese Melted Perfectly on Top?
Cheese that melts evenly and browns just right is key to a great baked ziti. Here’s my simple way:
- Layer half the pasta and cheese, then add the rest of the pasta before topping with cheeses. This helps cheese melt throughout.
- Cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to trap moisture, so cheese melts without drying out.
- Remove foil near the end so the cheese can brown and bubble for that delicious golden look.
- Use shredded cheese rather than blocks for even melting, and don’t skip the Parmesan—it adds great flavor and browning.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the ziti pasta; you want plenty of space to keep pasta from sticking.
- Large skillet – perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for breaking up meat and stirring sauce without scratching your pans.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – fits the ziti well and allows even baking of the cheesy layers.
- Colander – makes draining pasta quick and easy.
- Aluminum foil – helps cover the dish to keep moisture in while baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful sauce.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your baked ziti.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a richer, creamier melt.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the pasta and sauce, plus 35 minutes baking time. Include a few minutes resting time after baking, so plan on about 50 to 55 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef and Sauce:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Combine and Bake:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese until well combined. Transfer half of this mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Add the remaining ziti mixture, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious baked ziti!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents releasing excess moisture into the sauce.
Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding 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 up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or marinara can help keep it moist.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese works well as a substitute. For a smoother texture, blend cottage cheese before mixing it with the pasta and sauce.
