Ultimate Baked Ziti Recipe With Ground Beef
Craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner? This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting classic! Tender ziti pasta is tossed with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy ricotta layer, then topped with gooey mozzarella and baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, it’s ready in about an hour and kid-approved. Packed with protein and customizable for gluten-free diets, this dish brings Italian-American warmth to your table. Inspired by cozy Sunday suppers, it’s a recipe I turn to for pure comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook ziti until al dente; drain.
- Heat oil in skillet; cook onion 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and beef; cook 5-7 minutes; drain fat.
- Stir in marinara, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Layer in 9x13 dish: half ziti, half meat sauce, ricotta mix, remaining ziti, meat sauce, 1 cup mozzarella.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley; serve.
Notes
- Store in fridge 4 days or freeze 2 months.
- Use ground turkey or cottage cheese as substitutes.
- Add pasta water if sauce is thick.
- Assemble 24 hours ahead; bake later.
- Serve with garlic bread and salad.