Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s a wonderful mix of tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese all baked to bubbly perfection. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite satisfying and warming.
I love making this recipe when I want something that’s easy to prepare ahead of time yet still feels like a special, home-cooked meal. The best part for me is stirring the cheesy sauce through the pasta and beef before baking—it’s simple, but it brings everything together in such a delicious way. I also like to add a little extra cheese on top to get that golden, crispy crust that everyone loves.
This baked ziti works great as a one-pan meal that feeds a crowd or provides plenty of leftovers. I usually serve it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s one of those dishes that reminds me of cozy family dinners and happy moments around the table, and I hope it becomes a favorite for you too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Penne or ziti are great choices because their tube shape holds the sauce well. If you can’t find either, rigatoni or penne rigate work well too!
Ground beef: Regular ground beef adds great flavor. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but the dish will be less rich.
Marinara sauce: A good quality jarred sauce works fine, but homemade or chunky tomato sauce adds extra flavor.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and balances the tomato sauce. Cottage cheese is a decent substitute if you don’t have ricotta, just blend slightly to smooth it out.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella melts perfectly for that gooey top, while Parmesan adds a salty tang. You can swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper taste.
How Do You Get the Cheese Topping To Brown Perfectly?
Getting that golden brown cheese topping is all about timing and heat. Follow these tips:
- Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This warms everything evenly and prevents the cheese from burning.
- Remove the foil in the last 10-15 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown nicely.
- If you want an extra crispy top, you can switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Letting the baked ziti rest after cooking helps the cheese set up a bit, making it easier to serve without losing that lovely melty texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling the pasta without sticking.
- Skillet or frying pan – you’ll brown the ground beef and cook the onions here.
- Mixing bowl – to combine pasta, sauce, and cheeses evenly.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – big enough for the ziti to bake nicely and brown on top.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep the cheese from burning while baking.
- Spoon or spatula – great for stirring and transferring the pasta mixture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful dish.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to boost veggie content and add texture.
- Mix in spinach or kale for a healthy green twist that pairs well with cheese.
- Try using ricotta mixed with a little pesto for a fresh, herby flavor.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Meat:
- 1 pound penne pasta (ziti pasta can also be used)
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables & Flavor:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauces & Cheese:
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baked ziti recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep, 10-15 minutes to cook pasta, and around 40-45 minutes to bake and rest. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour from start to finish, including baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook the Pasta:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13 baking dish. Then, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta following the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Meat and Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells wonderful. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any extra fat if there’s too much. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir well, and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend. Remove from heat.
3. Combine Ingredients and Bake:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, beef and sauce mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Transfer half of this mixture to your baking dish and spread it out smoothly. Add the remaining mixture on top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the baked ziti out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes so it sets nicely. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if you like for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy meal!
Love this baked ziti? Keep the cozy dinner train going with these hearty favorites:
Try the saucy, soothing One-Pot Meatball Stew, a fun and flavorful Witches’ Cauldron Beef Stew, the classic comfort of Beef and Vegetable Stew, and the bold, stick-to-your-ribs Texas Cowboy Stew.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even browning and better texture in the final dish.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until hot or microwave individual servings until heated through.
Can I Prepare Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish but wait to bake it. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed. This makes a great make-ahead dinner option.