Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that’s sure to become a favorite, you’ve got to try this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings warmth to the table with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a melty, cheesy finish. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time—plus, it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight when you need something satisfying but fuss-free. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this baked ziti recipe plays its part to build layers of flavor. The ground beef adds hearty richness, while the combo of sauces keeps things saucy but balanced. When shopping, I recommend using a good quality mozzarella for melting and a flavorful parmesan to top it off.

• Ziti pasta: The tubular shape holds sauce beautifully and bakes up perfectly without getting mushy.
• Ground beef: Choose lean or regular based on your preference; I like 80/20 for juiciness.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds essential aroma and depth, don’t skip it!
• Onion: Chopped finely to blend into the sauce without overpowering.
• Spaghetti sauce: A classic marinara or tomato-based sauce brings sweetness and acidity.
• Tomato sauce: Adds extra tomato richness and texture to the meat sauce.
• Oregano: The herbaceous note ties the tomato flavors together nicely.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it creates luscious pockets of soft cheese throughout.
• Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, perfect for sprinkling on top to get a lightly crisp finish.
• Mozzarella cheese: Split into two amounts—one to mix in and one to melt on top for that signature gooey layer.

Variations

I love to keep this baked ziti as classic comfort food, but don’t hesitate to make it your own! Feel free to swap out ingredients or add extras based on what you have or like—this dish is very forgiving.

• Meat swap: I once replaced ground beef with Italian sausage for an extra spicy kick, and it was delicious.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the beef and add mushrooms or roasted veggies for a meatless crowd-pleaser.
• Cheese variations: Try adding shredded provolone or fontina if you want a different melty cheese vibe.
• Spicy touch: Toss in red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that wakes up the whole dish.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your ziti until it’s just al dente—this is key since it will continue cooking in the oven. I like to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water which really helps enhance the pasta’s flavor. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside. Don’t rinse! You want that starch to help the sauce cling later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef with Onion and Garlic

On medium heat, cook your ground beef along with the chopped onions and minced garlic. I learned the hard way to let the beef get a nice brown color—it adds incredible depth to the sauce. Stir occasionally but avoid overcrowding the pan so the meat can sear nicely without steaming.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce and Combine Flavors

Once the beef is browned, stir in your spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and oregano. Let it come to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. This step helps all the flavors meld beautifully. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning—this is when adding a pinch of salt or pepper can make a big difference.

Step 4: Assemble Your Baked Ziti Layers

Mix 1 cup of the meat sauce with half of the cooked ziti. Spread half of this mixture into your baking dish, then layer dollops of ricotta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top. Spread another cup of the sauce over everything before adding the remaining ziti and topping it with the last portion of sauce.

Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Cheese It Up

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes. This step ensures the ricotta stays creamy and everything heats evenly. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle parmesan and the rest of the mozzarella on top. Baking uncovered for another 10 minutes gives you that golden cheesy crust. Pro tip: If you want a seriously bubbly top, broil it for the last minute but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness, but shredded basil works beautifully too. Some cracked black pepper over the cheese finish adds a little zip that wakes up the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even steamed broccoli. For a quick weeknight meal, I love throwing together a simple Caesar salad alongside—it’s a nice way to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins to give everyone their own cozy casserole—that always earns compliments! You could also sprinkle colored bell peppers on top before baking for a festive look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight but the pasta can get a bit firmer, so I recommend reheating gently.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, I portion it into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for about 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to avoid drying it out. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too—just cover it loosely to keep the cheese from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that brings everyone around the table with happy smiles. It’s comfort food at its best—simple, hearty, and so cheesy that it feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something deeply satisfying, I highly recommend giving this a go. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again. So grab your baking dish, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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