Ground Beef Baked Ziti

Name: Ground Beef Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 12 ounces ziti pasta; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

A hearty and comforting dish, Ground Beef Baked Ziti is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Created by

Lacey Montgomery

Last updated on 2025-12-25T17:04:16.878Z

Ground Beef Baked Ziti combines the rich flavors of beef, cheese, and pasta into a satisfying dish that everyone will love. It's easy to make and perfect for meal prep!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, savory flavors from ground beef and marinara sauce
Cheesy goodness that pulls apart with every bite
Easy to prepare, making it a weeknight favorite
Great for leftovers and reheating!

      

The Perfect Comfort Food

Ground Beef Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of savory beef with hearty pasta and a creamy cheese blend. This dish offers a satisfying way to warm up your evenings, especially during the colder months. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will leave you feeling cozy and content.

Not only is it delicious, but Ground Beef Baked Ziti is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, or even swapping the ground beef for turkey or a meat alternative. This adaptability makes it a great option for accommodating various dietary preferences while still delivering that classic baked ziti experience.

Easy to Make for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a family dinner, preparing a meal for friends, or looking for a quick weeknight dish, Ground Beef Baked Ziti fits the bill. The preparation is straightforward, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Simply cook the pasta, brown the beef, mix everything together, and pop it in the oven.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. Assemble the dish earlier in the day, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you're planning a gathering, ensuring that you can serve a delicious meal with minimal last-minute effort.

Perfect for Leftovers

Ground Beef Baked Ziti is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic dish for leftovers. The flavors only get better as the dish sits, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully. Store any leftover ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day.

Reheating is quick and easy—simply warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through. The cheesy top layer may lose some of its original crispiness, but the rich flavors will still shine through, making it just as enjoyable as the first serving.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make the perfect Ground Beef Baked Ziti:

For the Baked Ziti

1 pound ground beef
12 ounces ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Ground Beef Baked Ziti:

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.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Assemble the Dish

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix well, then transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled ziti for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Baked Ziti!

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your Ground Beef Baked Ziti experience, consider serving it with a fresh side salad and some garlic bread. A crisp Caesar or garden salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Garlic bread, with its buttery and garlicky flavor, complements the ziti perfectly, making for a well-rounded meal.

Pairing your baked ziti with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, can elevate the dining experience. The wine's acidity and tannins will balance the dish's richness, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To ensure the best quality, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. This will help prevent it from drying out and maintain its delicious flavors.

For longer storage, consider freezing the baked ziti. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake it at 350°F until heated through.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your Ground Beef Baked Ziti by adding different ingredients. For a spicy kick, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the beef mixture. You can also experiment with various cheeses such as provolone or gouda for a unique flavor profile.

If you're looking for a lighter version, try substituting half of the pasta with zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta. This not only reduces calories but also adds extra nutrients. Additionally, incorporating vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini into the beef mixture can enhance the dish's nutritional value and add a pop of color.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I serve with baked ziti?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with baked ziti.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.