Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

Few things are as comforting and satisfying as a warm, cheesy, and saucy baked ziti.

This classic Italian-American dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, layering perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce and plenty of gooey, melted cheese.

The best part? It’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd.

This version of baked ziti with ground beef includes a special touch—reserving some of the meat sauce to sprinkle over the cheese before baking. This gives you those irresistible crispy bits of beef on top, adding both texture and flavor. Let’s dive into this cozy, hearty recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create this deliciously cheesy and beefy baked ziti:

• 12 oz ziti pasta (or rigatoni)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly baked ziti with layers of cheesy, meaty goodness:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
4. Layer the Ziti:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the meat sauce. Stir to coat evenly. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture in an even layer.
5. Add the Cheeses:
   Dollop the ricotta cheese over the pasta and spread gently. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Layer and Top:
   Add the remaining pasta mixture, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Take the reserved portion of meat sauce and spoon it over the cheese, ensuring some of it remains on the top to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
7. Bake to Perfection:
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!

Tweaks and Additions

Make this dish your own with these creative twists:

• Make It Spicier:
  Love a little heat? Add extra red pepper flakes, or stir in some spicy Italian sausage alongside the ground beef.
• Use Different Meats:
  Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Extra Cheesy:
  If you’re a cheese lover, mix some shredded provolone or fontina into the mozzarella for an even richer, more melty bite.
• Vegetarian Option:
  Skip the beef and load up on sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie-packed baked ziti.
• Add a Crunchy Topping:
  Sprinkle some buttery breadcrumbs or crushed garlic croutons on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.
• Try a Vodka Sauce:
  Replace half of the crushed tomatoes with a creamy vodka sauce for a decadent, creamy twist.
• Gluten-Free Option:
  Use gluten-free pasta and check that your tomato products and cheeses are gluten-free for a delicious GF version.

Baked ziti is the definition of comfort food, with layers of cheesy, saucy perfection that make every bite irresistible. The crispy, caramelized bits of beef on top add an extra depth of flavor, making this dish stand out from the rest.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or just want leftovers for the next day, this baked ziti is sure to hit the spot.

Try it out and let me know what you think—leave a comment below and share your favorite twists on this classic dish. Happy cooking!