This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make for a satisfying meal any night of the week!

From time to time, I like to make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef for a hearty family meal. It’s a dish that’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The combination of pasta, ground beef, and cheesy goodness makes it a go-to comfort food.

This recipe is my favorite, and I’m not gonna lie, it’s also my kids’ favorite—the best meal to bring everyone to the dinner table!

To make this baked ziti, you only need a few ingredients like ziti pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add some other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms if you like, and the result is just wow!

The layers of pasta, beef, sauce, and cheese come together perfectly in the oven for a delicious, cheesy casserole that everyone will love.

And for a perfect meal, you can serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad. Some roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli would also be a great addition to balance out the richness of the baked ziti. This recipe is super easy to make and comes together in just under an hour!

Why This Baked Ziti Is Great?

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is great because it’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s packed with flavor. The combination of pasta, rich marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or even meal prepping for the week. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or make it spicier if you like.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Skillet
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Pot for Boiling Pasta
• Strainer or Colander
• Grater
• Aluminum Foil
• Spatula or Spoon

How to make Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

Step 3:

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 4:

Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5:

While the sauce is simmering, cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 6:

In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked ziti pasta and beef sauce mixture. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 7:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8:

Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for Making Baked Ziti

• Use a Sturdy Pasta: Ziti is a great choice because it holds the sauce well and doesn’t get soggy. You can also use rigatoni or penne if you prefer.

• Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef well and drain any excess fat before adding the sauce. This ensures a leaner dish and prevents it from being greasy.

• Season the Sauce: Don’t forget to season your marinara sauce with garlic, basil, oregano, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. It enhances the flavor.

• Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella gives a creamier texture and better melt compared to pre-shredded cheese. It’s worth the extra step!

• Add Extra Veggies: You can sneak in more vegetables by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the ground beef for added nutrition and flavor.

• Top with Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy, golden top, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and a little extra mozzarella on top before baking.

• Let It Rest: After baking, let the ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

What to Pair with Baked Ziti with Ground Beef?

I like to serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef with a side of garlic bread. The warm, crispy bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.

I also enjoy pairing it with a fresh salad, like a simple Caesar or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. The freshness and crunch of the salad balance the richness of the cheesy ziti, making it a complete meal.

For an extra vegetable boost, I like to serve some roasted broccoli or steamed green beans on the side. These vegetables add color, nutrition, and a light touch that complements the heavier pasta dish.

Variations

Add Sausage: Swap some of the ground beef for Italian sausage to add more flavor and a little spice to the dish.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use a combination of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.

Spicy Baked Ziti: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Crust: Top the baked ziti with cheesy garlic bread before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make the dish gluten-free, and be sure to check the sauce for gluten-free ingredients.

Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, like ricotta, provolone, or gouda, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

How to Store

Allow your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef to cool to room temperature before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze any leftovers. Wrap the ziti tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until hot.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli in place of ziti. The shape doesn’t matter as long as it holds the sauce.

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

• Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use homemade sauce instead of jarred marinara?

• Yes, homemade marinara sauce works perfectly in this recipe! It will add a fresh, homemade taste.

Can I make this recipe without meat?

• Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and adding vegetables instead.

How do I prevent the ziti from being dry?

• Make sure to add enough sauce and cheese to keep the pasta moist while baking. If it seems too dry, you can add a bit more sauce or even a little water.

How do I reheat leftover baked ziti?

• Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil, or microwave it until hot.

Can I add more cheese to the recipe?

• Yes, feel free to add more mozzarella, Parmesan, or even ricotta for an extra creamy, cheesy texture.

How do I make baked ziti spicier?

• Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for some extra heat.

Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: DinnerCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

55

minutes

This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make for a satisfying meal any night of the week!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 lb ziti pasta

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
• Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• While the sauce is simmering, cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked ziti pasta and beef sauce mixture. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
• Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

• For an extra cheesy, golden top, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and a little extra mozzarella on top before baking.