Ground Beef Baked Ziti

Name: Ground Beef Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz ziti pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

A comforting dish of baked ziti layered with ground beef and melted cheese.

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-25T17:28:14.216Z

This Ground Beef Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any table. It features layers of ziti pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling, perfect for family dinners
Layers of cheesy goodness that everyone will adore
Easy to prepare, making it a weeknight favorite

      

A Classic Comfort Food

Ground Beef Baked Ziti is the epitome of comfort food, combining hearty ingredients into a warm, satisfying dish. It's perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is something filling and delicious. Baked ziti has a way of bringing everyone to the table, making it an ideal choice for family meals or gatherings with friends. The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese creates a symphony of flavors that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

What sets this dish apart is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your family's tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or perhaps swap out ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative, the possibilities are endless. This adaptability ensures that Ground Beef Baked Ziti can be enjoyed by everyone, making it a staple in many households.

Easy Preparation

One of the best things about Ground Beef Baked Ziti is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve. Cooking the pasta and browning the beef takes minimal time, allowing you to throw everything together quickly. This is particularly beneficial for busy weeknights when you want to serve a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Moreover, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. You can prepare it in the morning and simply bake it when you're ready to eat. This makes Ground Beef Baked Ziti not just a weeknight favorite, but also a great option for meal prep, ensuring you always have a comforting dish on hand.

Perfect for Meal Prepping

Ground Beef Baked Ziti is an excellent candidate for meal prepping due to its ability to maintain flavor and texture even after freezing. You can prepare a large batch, portion it out, and enjoy it throughout the week. This not only saves time but also reduces food waste, as you can use up ingredients you already have on hand. Plus, having a home-cooked meal ready to go is a relief for those hectic days.

When reheating, just add a splash of marinara sauce to keep the dish moist, and it will taste almost as good as freshly baked. This makes it a great solution for those who want to eat well without the hassle of daily cooking. Ground Beef Baked Ziti truly embodies the essence of convenience and comfort.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before starting your cooking process.

Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow the instructions carefully for the best results.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and marinara sauce. Stir until well mixed.

Layer and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining mixture and top with the remaining cheese.

Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

To achieve the best texture in your Ground Beef Baked Ziti, be sure to cook the pasta until it's just al dente. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking. Additionally, consider using a combination of cheeses for depth of flavor. Mixing mozzarella with provolone or even a touch of ricotta can elevate your dish significantly.

Don't hesitate to add extra spices or herbs to your meat mixture. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a pleasant heat, while fresh basil or oregano can enhance the overall flavor profile. Experimenting with seasonings can make your baked ziti uniquely yours.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef Baked Ziti pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens complements the richness of the pasta dish, creating a balanced meal. Garlic bread is another popular side that can be served for added indulgence, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

For a complete Italian experience, consider serving this dish with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese. The acidity in the wine can enhance the flavors of the marinara sauce, making each bite even more enjoyable. Don't forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness before serving!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option.

→ Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

You can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.