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If there’s a dish that feels like a warm, welcoming hug from your kitchen, it’s baked ziti. But let’s be honest, sometimes you need a little more heft, a little more savory punch to make it a true centerpiece. That’s where the glorious addition of ground beef comes in.
It transforms a classic into a robust, deeply satisfying one-pan wonder that feeds a crowd and soothes the soul. I’ve been making my version for years, for everything from hectic weeknights to joyous family gatherings. It’s my go-to, and today, I’m so excited to share every cozy detail with you.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success. Think of it as building layers of flavor, where each component plays a crucial role. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ziti Pasta (1 pound): The namesake! Its tube shape is perfect for catching all that meaty, cheesy sauce. Penne works in a pinch, but ziti is ideal.
- Ground Beef (1 pound, 85/15 blend): Our star addition. The bit of fat adds incredible flavor and moisture, creating a hearty foundation.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: The aromatic base. They add a sweet, fragrant depth that’s absolutely non-negotiable for a rich sauce.
- Marinara Sauce (24-32 ounces): Your favorite jarred sauce is a fantastic shortcut here. It’s the saucy, tomatoey glue that binds everything.
- Ricotta Cheese (15 ounces): This is the secret for creamy, luscious pockets in every bite. It makes the dish feel indulgent and special.
- Egg (1 large): A little binder for the ricotta layer. It helps everything set up beautifully so you get neat slices.
- Mozzarella Cheese (16 ounces, divided): We use it twice. Some gets mixed in for gooeyness, and a lavish layer on top creates that iconic, bubbly golden crust.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup grated): The salty, nutty flavor booster. It adds a complexity that pre-grated cheese in a can just can’t match.
- Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes: Your flavor conductors. They wake up the entire dish and let you tailor it to your taste.
How to make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef?
This process is straightforward, I promise. It’s about building in layers, and each step is simple on its own. Just follow along, and you’ll have a masterpiece in no time.
Step 1: The Foundation – Browning the Beef & Aromatics
Start by getting a large pot of salted water boiling for your ziti. Now, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, crumble in your ground beef over medium-high heat. Don’t rush this. You want a good, deep brown sear on that meat, not just a gray steam.
As it cooks, use your spoon to break it into small, bite-sized crumbles. When it’s nearly browned, add your diced onion right into the skillet. Let them cook together until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
Then, stir in your minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The smell at this point is just heavenly, trust me.
Step 2: Building the Saucy Base
Once your garlic is fragrant (just about 30 seconds!), pour in your entire jar of marinara sauce. Stir it all together, letting the flavors meld. I like to add a glug of water to the empty jar, swirl it around, and pour that in, too.
It gets every last bit of sauce and thins it just perfectly for baking. Reduce the heat to low and let this meaty sauce simmer gently.
Meanwhile, cook your ziti according to the package directions, but stop at *al dente*. It’s going to finish cooking in the oven, so we don’t want mushy pasta. Drain it well.
Step 3: Creating the Creamy Ricotta Layer
While your pasta boils, make the creamy filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, one beaten egg, half of your grated Parmesan, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it until it’s smooth and homogenous. This mixture is pure magic. It’s what makes each forkful rich and delightful, offering a beautiful contrast to the tangy tomato sauce.
Step 4: The Joyful Assembly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, let’s bring it all together. In the pot with your drained ziti, pour in the entire meat sauce and about two-thirds of your shredded mozzarella. Stir it with great enthusiasm until every piece of pasta is coated and cheesy.
In your 9×13 baking dish, spread half of this saucy pasta mixture evenly. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the top, gently spreading it into an even layer. Top with the remaining pasta, pressing it down gently.
Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan over everything. This top layer is your canvas for golden perfection.
Step 5: Baking to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil. This initial bake steams the pasta to tender completion and melts the cheese beautifully. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil. Turn your oven to broil, or simply increase the temperature to 425°F.
Bake for another 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until the top is speckled with deep golden brown spots and the edges are bubbling fiercely.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This rest is crucial—it allows everything to set, so you get perfect slices, not a runny avalanche.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: It should taste like the sea. This is your one chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Don’t Skip the Ricotta Drain: If your ricotta seems watery, give it a quick drain in a fine-mesh sieve. A drier ricotta makes for a neater, more defined layer.
- Broil with Vigilance: When you’re browning the top, don’t walk away! The broiler works fast, and you want glorious brown, not tragic black.
- Let it Rest: I know it’s hard with those aromas filling your kitchen, but those 10 minutes of resting make all the difference for clean serving.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. It’s a fantastic template for your own creativity. Here are some of my favorite twists:
- Meat Swap: Try Italian sausage (sweet or hot) for half or all of the ground beef. It adds a fantastic fennel-spiced flavor. For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully.
- Cheese Choices: Blend some cottage cheese into the ricotta for extra protein and a tangier bite. Smoked mozzarella or provolone on top adds a whole new dimension of flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in finely chopped mushrooms or spinach with the onions. They’ll cook down and add nutrition without complaint.
- “No-Boil” Shortcut: In a real pinch, you can use uncooked ziti. Just add an extra cup of water to the sauce and bake, covered, for 50-60 minutes before uncovering to brown.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
This baked ziti is a hearty meal all on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into a feast. I always start with a crisp, green salad with a sharp vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness of the pasta perfectly.
A loaf of warm, crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable in my house for soaking up any stray sauce on the plate. For drinks, a simple red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese is fantastic, or for a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon feels celebratory.
And honestly? Cold leftovers the next day, straight from the fridge, might just be the best part.
The Story in Every Bite
For me, this dish is more than just ingredients. It’s the one I bring to new neighbors, to friends celebrating a new baby, or to my own table on a dreary Tuesday. It’s forgiving, generous, and always, always met with smiles. It’s the culinary equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater.
I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation, becoming a story in your own home, filled with your own laughter and conversations around the table. Now, go preheat that oven. Your new favorite dinner is waiting.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe
Description
This comforting Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a classic Italian-American favorite. What makes this dish truly irresistible is the combination of textures and flavors: tender pasta, robust meat sauce, and gooey cheese all baked together to create a warm, mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this meal will impress.
ingredients
Meat Sauce
Pasta & Cheese Mixture
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 3½ cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
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Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking. Add to cheese mixture and toss gently.
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. When nearly cooked through, add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is soft and meat is fully cooked. Drain excess grease (do not rinse).
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Stir in spaghetti sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
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Remove 3½ cups of meat sauce and let cool slightly. Stir into the pasta-cheese mixture.
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In a 13×9 inch baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, then half the remaining meat sauce.
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Repeat with remaining pasta mixture and sauce. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
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Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 serving
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 580kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 29gg45%
- Saturated Fat 14gg70%
- Trans Fat 0gg
- Cholesterol 105mgmg35%
- Sodium 980mgmg41%
- Potassium 720mgmg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 48gg16%
- Dietary Fiber 5gg20%
- Sugars 10gg
- Protein 32gg64%
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 25 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish up to 1 day in advance; cover and refrigerate. Add 15–20 minutes to bake time if starting cold.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked or baked portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Vegetable boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini into the meat sauce.
- Substitutions: Use penne instead of ziti; swap ricotta for cottage cheese; use Italian sausage or plant-based crumbles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 15–20 extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What sides go well with baked ziti?
A crisp side salad, garlic herb bread, and a simple green vegetable like roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach pair perfectly. For dessert, try an air fryer chocolate cake!