Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

I remember the first time I made baked ziti with ground beef because it was one of those chilly Sunday evenings when I wanted something hearty and comforting so I opened my pantry and found a box of ziti which instantly sparked an idea and I began pulling out my favorite ingredients. The aroma filled the kitchen as the beef sizzled and the tomato sauce simmered with garlic and basil which made my family wander in wondering what was cooking. That dish turned out to be more than just dinner so it became one of those meals that we now associate with warmth togetherness and pure satisfaction.

Since then I’ve tweaked the recipe over time so now it delivers the perfect blend of textures and flavors every time. I layer everything generously because I want each bite to include that tender pasta rich beefy sauce and gooey cheese which always gets those “mmm” sounds at the table and I promise once you try this you’ll be craving it every week like we do.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ziti pasta – A hearty pasta that holds up well under layers of sauce and cheese.
• Ground beef – Adds a savory, rich flavor and makes the dish filling.
• Marinara sauce – Provides a tangy, tomato base that ties everything together.
• Onion – Gives the meat mixture a sweet and aromatic depth.
• Garlic – Adds a punch of bold, classic Italian flavor.
• Ricotta cheese – Creates a creamy layer in the bake.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully on top for that gooey finish.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty bite to the topping.
• Fresh basil – Gives a fresh and fragrant final touch.
• Olive oil – Helps soften the onions and garlic before adding the beef.
• Salt and pepper – Basic seasonings to enhance the meat and sauce.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet – To brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics.
• Saucepan – For boiling the ziti until it’s al dente.
• Mixing bowls – To combine cheeses and layering ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect size to layer and bake the pasta evenly.
• Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring the sauce without damaging non-stick pans.
• Colander – For draining the cooked pasta quickly and cleanly.
• Measuring cups – To get just the right amount of each cheese and sauce layer.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F so it’s ready when everything is layered and assembled.

Step 2: Boil the pasta

While the oven heats I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and then I cook the ziti just until al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven later.

Step 3: Cook the beef mixture

In a large skillet I heat olive oil over medium heat then I add chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent. After that I stir in minced garlic and ground beef and I cook it until browned breaking it up with a spoon. I season it with salt and pepper and once it’s cooked I drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Add the sauce

Next I pour marinara sauce into the beef mixture and I stir everything together then I let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 5: Mix the cheese

In a bowl I mix ricotta with a little bit of salt and pepper and I also stir in some grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Step 6: Layer the ziti

Now I spread a little sauce on the bottom of the baking dish then I add half the cooked pasta followed by half of the ricotta mixture and a layer of mozzarella. I repeat this layering process with the rest of the pasta beef sauce ricotta and mozzarella finishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

Step 7: Bake until bubbly

I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes then I remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and serve

After letting it cool slightly I sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving and trust me it’s worth the wait.

Tips

If you want to make it extra cheesy I sometimes add an extra handful of mozzarella in the middle layer. I’ve also swapped ricotta for cottage cheese when I needed a lighter option and it still tasted amazing. You can prep this the night before and keep it in the fridge and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

Ways to Serve

I love serving baked ziti with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple bowl of soup. For a cozy dinner party I plate it with a drizzle of olive oil and a bit of extra Parmesan for that extra homemade feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze baked ziti with ground beef?

Yes absolutely! You can assemble it ahead of time cover it tightly and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to cook just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What’s the best pasta substitute for baked ziti with ground beef?

If you don’t have ziti on hand penne or rigatoni work great because they hold sauce well and give you that same baked texture.

How long does baked ziti with ground beef last in the fridge?

It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven until warmed through.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this baked ziti with ground beef a try! It’s a beloved dish in our home and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it or save this recipe for the next time you want a hearty comforting dinner.

Happy Cooking!

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