This baked ziti with ground beef packs tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella into one bubbling pan. It is the kind of crowd friendly dinner that feeds a hungry table and reheats just as well the next day.
The sauce comes together in a single skillet while the pasta boils, and the dish bakes without any layering fuss. Stir everything in one bowl, spread it into the dish, and let the oven do the rest.
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Why This Baked Ziti With Ground Beef Recipe Works
Stirring ricotta straight into the pasta spreads creamy pockets through every bite, rather than leaving one thick layer in the middle.
Simmering the beef in marinara for a few minutes blends the seasoning into the sauce so the flavor is consistent from edge to edge.
Baking covered first steams the ziti so it stays tender, and the uncovered finish browns the cheese into a bubbling golden top.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish, optional
Ziti pasta. Cook it one minute short of tender, since it softens further in the oven.
Ground beef. Brown it with the onion and garlic and drain the fat before adding sauce.
Marinara sauce. A full jar keeps the pasta saucy instead of dry after baking.
Ricotta cheese. Whole milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture.
Mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella melts and stretches while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty crust.
How to Make Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
1. Heat the oven Set the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
2. Boil the ziti Cook the pasta in salted water for one minute less than the package time, then drain it well.
3. Brown the beef Cook the beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until no pink remains, and pour off the fat.
4. Simmer the sauce Stir in the marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
5. Combine everything In a large bowl, fold together the pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella until evenly mixed.
6. Fill the dish Spread the mixture into the baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan.
7. Bake covered Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Brown the top Remove the foil and bake 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is golden and bubbling, then let it rest for 5 minutes.
How to Serve Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
Scoop the ziti onto warm plates and serve it with a crisp Italian house salad and mozzarella cheesy garlic bread for mopping up the sauce. Air fryer broccoli with Parmesan adds a green side, and a bowl of cucumber tomato feta salad gives a cool contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
Let the ziti cool for a short time, then refrigerate it in an airtight container within two hours. It keeps for three to four days. Freeze portions for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat covered in the oven or in the microwave until the center reaches 165 degrees F, adding a spoonful of water or sauce if it looks dry.
Tips and Variations for Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
Flag the allergens. This dish contains wheat and milk, so check with guests before serving.
Cook the beef fully. Ground beef is safe at 160 degrees F, so brown it until no pink remains.
Undercook the pasta. Slightly firm ziti finishes in the oven, while fully cooked pasta turns mushy.
Make it ahead. The meat sauce can be cooked a day ahead and chilled, which saves time on baking day.
Add vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be cooked with the beef for extra color.
Mix the cheeses. Provolone or fontina can replace some mozzarella for a richer flavor.
Rest before serving. Five minutes on the counter lets the sauce settle so squares hold their shape.
Check trusted guidance. For safe handling of leftover pasta dishes, read the University of Minnesota Extension guide to storing leftovers before you pack up extras.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
Can I make baked ziti with ground beef ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to one day, then bake it for about ten minutes longer.
Do I have to use ziti in baked ziti with ground beef?
No. Penne, rigatoni, or other short tubes work the same way and hold the sauce well.
Can I freeze baked ziti with ground beef?
Yes. Freeze it baked or unbaked in a covered dish for up to three months, then thaw overnight and bake until hot.
Why is my ziti dry?
The pasta likely absorbed too much sauce, so use a full jar of marinara and keep the dish covered for the first 25 minutes.
Can I skip the ricotta?
Yes. Cottage cheese or extra mozzarella can replace it, though the texture will be less creamy.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Equipment
- 9 by 13 inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce one jar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 handful fresh basil optional garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Preheat. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9 by 13 inch dish.
- Pasta. Boil the ziti 1 minute under the package time and drain.
- Sauce. Brown the beef with the onion and garlic for 5 to 7 minutes, drain, then simmer with the marinara and seasonings for 5 minutes.
- Assemble. Mix the pasta, sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella, spread in the dish, and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes until golden.
