Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a classic comfort dish that’s warm, cheesy, and full of hearty flavors. This casserole brings together tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and lots of melted cheese all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big hug on a plate.
I love making baked ziti when I want something that feels special but is still simple to prepare. The ground beef adds just the right amount of meaty goodness without being too heavy. One tip I always follow is to cook the pasta just until it’s al dente before mixing it with the sauce and cheese—that way, it finishes cooking in the oven without getting mushy.
My favorite way to serve baked ziti is straight from the dish, scooping out warm, cheesy portions onto plates with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. It’s a meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves smiles all around. Plus, it always makes plenty of leftovers for the next day, which I don’t mind at all!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ziti pasta: This tubular pasta holds sauce well, but penne or rigatoni are great substitutes if you can’t find ziti. Just use the same cooking time for al dente texture.
Ground beef: I like 80/20 beef for flavor and moisture. For a leaner dish, try ground turkey or chicken—they work well and reduce fat.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and mild flavor. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese or mascarpone can be good swaps.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella melts beautifully for stretch and gooeyness. Parmesan adds sharp, salty notes. For Parmesan substitute, Pecorino Romano is a nice option.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store brand or homemade. If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
How Do I Make Sure the Baked Ziti Isn’t Mushy?
Cooking pasta just right is key. Here’s what helps:
- Boil the pasta until al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite, not too soft.
- Drain it well; excess water can make the baked dish soggy.
- Mix the pasta quickly with sauce and cheese so it stays coated and cooks evenly.
- Cover with foil when baking so moisture stays in, then uncover at the end to brown the cheese perfectly.
Following these steps gives you a firm but tender pasta and bubbly cheese with a great crust on top.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling the ziti pasta evenly without crowding.
- Skillet or frying pan – great for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
- Colander – helps drain pasta quickly and thoroughly to avoid extra water in the bake.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – just the right size for layering pasta, sauce, and cheese for baking.
- Mixing bowl – useful for combining pasta with the sauce and meat before baking.
- Aluminum foil – covers the baking dish to keep moisture in while baking, then helps with browning when removed.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, more seasoned flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach in the beef mixture for extra veggies and earthiness.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese to get a richer, creamier melt.
- Stir in fresh basil or oregano with the sauce for a burst of herbal freshness and more aroma.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to cook the pasta and beef mixture, and around 30-35 minutes for baking. Overall, plan on about 50-55 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta and Sauce Base:
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 and cook the ziti until al dente (still a little firm). Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft (about 3-4 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Cook the Ground Beef & Make the Sauce:
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the beef fully, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble and Bake the Ziti:
In a big bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the beef sauce until evenly coated. Spread half of this mixture into your baking dish. Add dollops of half the ricotta cheese over the pasta, then sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture, spoon on the remaining ricotta, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Finish Baking and Serve:
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if you like. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, hearty baked ziti!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the ground beef completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture in the skillet.
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the baked ziti up to the point before baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until bubbly and hot.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist during reheating.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap ricotta for cottage cheese or mascarpone, and mozzarella can be mixed with provolone or fontina for different flavors. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best texture.
