Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty baked ziti with ground beef bubbling away in the oven. This classic Italian-American dish transforms simple ingredients into pure magic – tender pasta tubes nestle with savory ground beef in rich marinara sauce while melted cheese creates that irresistible golden top we all crave.
We’ve perfected this recipe to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The secret lies in browning the beef properly and layering the ingredients just right so every bite delivers that perfect combination of meat sauce and creamy cheese. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and brings everyone running to the dinner table.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week ahead this ground beef baked ziti delivers every single time. It’s comfort food at its finest – satisfying enough for the heartiest appetites yet simple enough for weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
We’ve organized these ingredients into three simple categories to make your baked ziti preparation seamless and efficient. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembly
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup additional shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing dish
Equipment Needed
Creating the perfect baked ziti with ground beef requires having the right tools at your disposal. We recommend gathering all equipment before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process from start to finish.
Essential Baking Equipment:
- 13×9 inch baking dish for optimal serving size and even cooking
- Large pot for boiling pasta (such as a Farberware Stock Pot)
- Cast iron or large skillet (like a 10.25 inch Lodge skillet) for browning meat and developing the sauce
Preparation Tools:
- Mixing bowl for combining cheese mixture components
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula for stirring and mixing
- Colander for draining pasta (an OXO Good Grips Colander works exceptionally well)
The 13×9 inch baking dish serves as the foundation for this recipe, providing ample space for the pasta layers while ensuring even heat distribution. Your cast iron or large skillet becomes crucial for properly browning the ground beef and building the flavor base of your meat sauce.
We find that having a quality colander makes draining the ziti pasta much more efficient, preventing overcooking while you prepare the remaining components. The mixing bowl allows you to combine all elements thoroughly before transferring to your baking dish.
Most home cooks already own these basic kitchen tools, making this recipe accessible without requiring specialty equipment. The combination of these essential items creates the perfect setup for assembling and baking your delicious ground beef ziti casserole.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a perfectly baked ziti that combines tender pasta with savory ground beef and melted cheese. Each step builds upon the previous one to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
Prep the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting any other preparation. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 14.5 oz of ziti or penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions minus one minute to maintain al dente texture. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set aside. This slightly undercooked pasta will continue cooking in the oven and prevent the final dish from becoming mushy.
Make the Meat Sauce
Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add 1 lb of extra lean ground beef and brown it completely while breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat that accumulates during cooking. Season the browned beef with Italian seasoning garlic powder and salt to taste. Stir in 24 oz of marinara sauce and mix thoroughly to combine all flavors. Optional vegetables like diced onion garlic or bell peppers can be sautéed with the meat before adding the sauce for enhanced flavor depth. Remove the skillet from heat once the sauce is well incorporated.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Combine 15 oz of ricotta cheese in a mixing bowl with any desired seasonings. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Shred 8 oz of mozzarella cheese and set aside for the topping layer. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese if using for additional flavor enhancement. This cheese mixture will create the creamy interior texture that makes baked ziti so satisfying.
Assemble the Baked Ziti
Grease your 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Mix the cooked pasta with the prepared meat sauce and ricotta cheese mixture until all components are evenly distributed. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese across the top surface ensuring complete coverage. Add grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for extra flavor if desired. For a layered approach spread half the pasta mixture in the dish add half the cheese then repeat with remaining pasta and cheese.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled casserole tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes covered to heat through completely. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted bubbly and lightly golden on top. Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set properly. The finished dish should have a golden cheese topping with bubbling edges and a thoroughly heated interior.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We love how baked ziti transforms busy weeknight dinners into stress-free occasions when prepared ahead of time. This make-ahead friendly casserole allows us to enjoy homemade comfort food without the last-minute preparation rush.
Assembling and Refrigerating
Our favorite approach involves completely assembling the baked ziti casserole up to 24 hours before serving. After combining the pasta with our meat sauce and cheese mixture, we transfer everything to our greased 13×9 inch baking dish and add the final cheese layer on top. We then cover the assembled casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent the surface from drying out.
The assembled dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. We recommend placing it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential drips and make transport easier.
Baking from Cold
When baking our make-ahead ziti directly from the refrigerator, we adjust our timing to account for the cold temperature. We preheat our oven to 350°F and bake the covered casserole for 30-35 minutes instead of the standard 20 minutes. After removing the foil, we continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly throughout.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
Our baked ziti freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months when properly wrapped. We assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. For easier portion control, we sometimes divide the recipe between two smaller 8×8 inch dishes.
Frozen baked ziti requires thawing in the refrigerator overnight before baking. We then follow our standard cold baking instructions, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure the center heats completely through.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage techniques ensure our delicious baked ziti maintains its flavor and texture for future meals. We always allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation that can make the pasta soggy. Once cooled, we cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer portions to airtight containers for optimal freshness.
Refrigerator Storage
Our baked ziti stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days when stored correctly. We recommend dividing large batches into individual serving containers for convenient grab-and-go meals throughout the week. This approach also speeds up the reheating process and helps maintain food safety standards.
Freezer Storage Options
Freezing extends our baked ziti’s shelf life up to 3 months without compromising taste or quality. We prefer using aluminum pans for freezer storage as they conduct heat evenly during reheating. Before freezing, we wrap the dish tightly with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4-5 days | Airtight containers or foil-covered dish |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Aluminum pans with tight wrapping |
For best results, we thaw frozen baked ziti in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the pasta’s texture and ensures even heating throughout.
Reheating Methods
The oven method delivers the best results for reheating our baked ziti. We preheat the oven to 350°F and cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Heating takes approximately 20-30 minutes for refrigerated portions and slightly longer for thawed frozen servings.
Microwave reheating works perfectly for individual portions when time is limited. We cover the dish loosely to allow steam to escape while preventing splattering. Heating in 30-second intervals ensures even warming without creating hot spots that can burn the cheese or make the pasta rubbery.
We always check that reheated baked ziti reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce during reheating can restore moisture if the pasta appears dry.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend pairing our hearty baked ziti with complementary sides that balance the richness of the cheese and meat sauce. A simple green salad provides the perfect contrast to this indulgent casserole. Arugula tossed with fresh lemon juice or a light vinaigrette cuts through the heaviness while adding bright flavors to each bite.
Crusty Italian bread serves as an ideal accompaniment that allows everyone to soak up any remaining sauce on their plates. We love offering warm garlic bread alongside this dish since the buttery herbs complement the Italian flavors beautifully. The combination creates a restaurant-quality experience right at your dinner table.
Fresh herbs make all the difference in presentation and flavor enhancement. We suggest garnishing each serving with chopped fresh basil or parsley to add vibrant color and aromatic appeal. These finishing touches elevate the visual appeal while providing that final burst of freshness.
Consider the following serving combinations for optimal enjoyment:
| Side Dish | Purpose | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Arugula salad with lemon | Cuts richness | Peppery and bright |
| Caesar salad | Classic pairing | Creamy and tangy |
| Garlic bread | Sauce absorption | Buttery and savory |
| Crusty Italian bread | Traditional companion | Neutral and hearty |
| Steamed broccoli | Nutritional balance | Fresh and mild |
Our baked ziti yields 8 to 10 generous servings, making it perfect for feeding larger families or hosting dinner parties. The substantial portions satisfy even the heartiest appetites while leaving everyone comfortably full. We find this serving size works exceptionally well for potluck gatherings where you want to contribute a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears quickly.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate how well this dish pairs with medium-bodied red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese. The acidity in these wines complements the tomato sauce while standing up to the rich cheese and beef flavors. For those preferring lighter options, a crisp Pinot Grigio provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
Recipe Variations
Our classic baked ziti recipe serves as the perfect foundation for countless delicious adaptations. We can easily transform this comforting dish to suit different dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
Vegetarian Option
We recommend substituting the ground beef with protein-rich alternatives that maintain the hearty texture our families love. Lentils work exceptionally well in this dish, providing similar substance while absorbing all the marinara flavors beautifully. Textured vegetable protein (TVP) offers another excellent option that mimics the ground beef texture perfectly.
Plant-based meat crumbles deliver the most familiar experience for those transitioning to vegetarian options. We suggest increasing the vegetable content by adding diced mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to the sauce. These vegetables enhance both texture and nutritional value while keeping the same beloved cheese and pasta components intact.
Spicy Version
We transform our classic recipe into a fiery favorite by incorporating heat through several strategic additions. Red pepper flakes scattered throughout the meat sauce provide consistent warmth in every bite. Hot Italian sausage replaces plain ground beef for those seeking more intense flavor profiles.
Our spicy variation benefits from a splash of hot sauce mixed directly into the marinara base. Jalapeño peppers or crushed red peppers elevate the heat level significantly. We often use spicy tomato sauces as the foundation, building layers of heat that complement rather than overpower the cheese elements.
Extra Cheesy Style
We create an irresistibly gooey version by increasing both mozzarella and Parmesan quantities throughout the layers. Additional cheese varieties like provolone or fontina contribute unique flavors and enhanced richness. Dollops of ricotta cheese distributed between layers create pockets of creamy texture.
Our extra cheesy approach involves using a three-cheese blend that delivers maximum indulgence. We top the casserole with generous amounts of shredded cheese before the final baking stage. This technique ensures a golden, bubbly crust that becomes the highlight of every serving.
Conclusion
We’ve shown you how to create a restaurant-quality baked ziti with ground beef that’ll become your family’s new favorite comfort food. This recipe delivers perfectly balanced flavors with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on Sunday or prepping meals for the week ahead you’ll find this baked ziti adapts to your schedule beautifully.
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by experimenting with the variations we’ve shared. From vegetarian swaps to extra-cheesy versions there’s a perfect baked ziti for every taste preference and dietary need.
Now it’s time to gather your ingredients preheat that oven and create a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely incredible!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is baked ziti with ground beef?
Baked ziti with ground beef is a classic Italian-American comfort food dish featuring ziti pasta layered with seasoned ground beef in marinara sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella. The ingredients are assembled in a baking dish and baked until golden and bubbly, creating a satisfying casserole perfect for family dinners.
How long does it take to make baked ziti?
Baked ziti typically takes about 1 hour from start to finish. This includes 15-20 minutes for prep work (cooking pasta and browning beef), 10 minutes for assembly, and 30-40 minutes of baking time. The dish should rest for 10 minutes after baking before serving.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, baked ziti is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled dish for up to 3 months. Adjust baking time when cooking from cold.
What equipment do I need to make baked ziti?
Essential equipment includes a 13×9 inch baking dish, large pot for boiling pasta, cast iron or large skillet for browning meat, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or rubber spatula, and a colander. Having all tools ready before starting ensures a smooth cooking process.
How do I store leftover baked ziti?
Store leftover baked ziti in airtight containers or tightly covered with aluminum foil in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Always allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to maintain food safety and quality.
What’s the best way to reheat baked ziti?
The oven method is best for reheating baked ziti evenly. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. For individual portions, use the microwave. Always ensure reheated ziti reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Add a splash of water if pasta appears dry.
What should I serve with baked ziti?
Pair baked ziti with complementary sides like arugula salad, garlic bread, or crusty Italian bread to balance the dish’s richness. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make excellent garnishes. Medium-bodied red wines like Chianti pair well, while crisp Pinot Grigio offers a refreshing contrast.
Can I make vegetarian baked ziti?
Absolutely! Replace ground beef with lentils, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or plant-based meat crumbles. Add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. The cheese mixture and assembly process remain the same, creating a delicious vegetarian version.
How many servings does baked ziti make?
A standard baked ziti recipe yields 8-10 servings, making it ideal for larger families or gatherings. The generous portion size also makes it perfect for meal prepping, providing multiple meals throughout the week or leftovers for easy lunches.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes excellently for up to 3 months. You can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating for best results.
