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Baked Ziti With Ground Beef Recipe

Baked Ziti With Ground Beef Recipe

Olivia Brooks
Comfort food at its best—this Baked Ziti With Ground Beef Recipe is baked with ziti pasta, ground beef, marinara, and melted cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 to 8
Calories 560 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • Salt for pasta water

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
  • 24 oz marinara sauce

Cheese Layer

  • 1½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Extra parmesan for finishing
  • Fresh basil or parsley optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook ziti until just al dente—about 1 minute less than package instructions.
  • Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook it; the oven will finish the job.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and chili flakes.
  • Pour in marinara sauce. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, letting everything come together.
  • Taste. Adjust seasoning. This sauce matters.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

  • In a bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan
  • Egg
  • Salt and pepper
  • Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • This layer adds richness and keeps the baked ziti from drying out.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large bowl, mix:
  • Cooked ziti
  • Most of the meat sauce (reserve about ½ cup)
  • Spread half the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
  • Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Gently spread.
  • Add remaining pasta mixture. Spoon reserved sauce over the top.
  • Finish with shredded mozzarella and extra parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

  • Cover loosely with foil.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set.
Keyword Baked Ziti With Ground Beef Recipe