Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
A hearty Italian-American pasta dish combining al dente ziti pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a generous blend of melted cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your family table with minimal effort.
Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the moment when a bubbling dish of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef emerges from the oven, its cheese topping golden and crispy, hiding layers of perfectly seasoned pasta and meat underneath. This classic Italian-American comfort food has rightfully earned its place as a family favorite across dinner tables for generations. While many restaurant versions can be complicated, my homemade Baked Ziti with Ground Beef recipe strikes the perfect balance between authentic flavor and everyday simplicity.
Traditionally enjoyed during colder months as a hearty winter meal, this versatile casserole is equally welcome at summer gatherings, family reunions, or as a make-ahead dinner solution for busy weeknights. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates a deeply satisfying meal that pleases both picky eaters and culinary enthusiasts alike.
THIS RECIPE:
- Requires only one pot and one baking dish for minimal cleanup
- Features a balanced meat-to-pasta ratio perfect for family meals
- Can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead of baking
- Freezes beautifully for future easy dinners
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 8 portions |
| Yield | One 9×13-inch casserole |
This easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. Even kitchen beginners will find success with these straightforward instructions, while experienced cooks can appreciate the versatility for creative adaptations. The balance of flavors—savory beef, sweet tomatoes, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta—creates that quintessential comfort food experience that keeps families requesting it again and again.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
The quality of ingredients makes all the difference when preparing an exceptional Baked Ziti with Ground Beef. While this dish is forgiving by nature, selecting a few premium components—particularly the cheese, meat, and tomato products—will elevate your casserole from good to memorably delicious. Let’s break down everything you’ll need to create this hearty pasta bake.
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound (454g) lean ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Pasta and Cheese Layers:
- 1 pound (454g) ziti pasta (or penne)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound (80/20 blend) | Choose freshly ground beef with visible marbling for best flavor. Grass-fed adds deeper flavor. |
| Pasta | 1 pound ziti or penne | Select bronze die-cut pasta with ridges for better sauce adherence. |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 28 ounces | San Marzano or Italian canned tomatoes provide best flavor and texture. |
| Ricotta Cheese | 15 ounces | Whole milk ricotta offers superior creaminess; drain if very wet. |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 2 cups | Grate fresh low-moisture mozzarella rather than using pre-shredded for better melting. |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup | Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano elevates the entire dish significantly. |
How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Creating the perfect Baked Ziti with Ground Beef involves several key cooking processes, each contributing important elements to the final dish. The trick to exceptional baked ziti lies in properly preparing the pasta (slightly undercooking it), developing deep flavors in the meat sauce, and creating distinct layers that meld together during baking. Follow these detailed steps for guaranteed success.
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Add 1 tablespoon salt.
- Cook ziti pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente (it will continue cooking in the oven).
- Drain pasta, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef.
- Brown the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to caramelize slightly.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Add dried herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, eggs, parsley, garlic powder, and salt.
- Mix thoroughly until well blended and smooth.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spread ½ cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked pasta, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the pasta.
- Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the meat sauce (no need to spread completely).
- Sprinkle with ¼ cup mozzarella.
- Add remaining pasta and top with remaining meat sauce.
- Dollop remaining ricotta mixture over the top.
- Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake
- Cover dish with aluminum foil, tenting slightly to prevent cheese from sticking.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a perfectly browned top (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Rest and Serve
- Remove from oven and let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- This resting period is crucial as it allows the layers to set and makes for neater serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Tips for Making Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Pro tip: The key to exceptional Baked Ziti with Ground Beef isn’t just in the ingredients but in understanding the small techniques that elevate the finished dish from good to unforgettable.
Success with baked ziti comes down to managing moisture, balancing flavors, and getting the texture just right. Whether you’re making this dish for the first time or looking to perfect your recipe, these expert recommendations will help you create the best possible version of this comfort food classic.
• Undercook your pasta by 2 minutes—it will absorb sauce and continue cooking in the oven
• Allow the assembled casserole to sit for 15 minutes before baking to let the pasta absorb some sauce
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water to add to your sauce if it becomes too thick
• Grate your cheeses fresh rather than using pre-packaged shredded varieties for better melting
| Technique Area | Recommendation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta Cooking | Cook 2 minutes under package directions | Prevents mushy overcooked pasta in final dish |
| Meat Preparation | Brown beef in batches if necessary | Ensures proper caramelization rather than steaming |
| Sauce Development | Add 1-2 tbsp tomato paste before liquids | Creates deeper umami foundation for sauce |
| Cheese Selection | Combine whole milk ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan | Provides perfect balance of creaminess and savory flavor |
| Baking Method | Cover first, then uncover to finish | Protects from drying while allowing proper browning |
The layering technique you use significantly impacts the final texture. Rather than mixing everything together, create distinct layers but don’t spread the ricotta mixture completely—leaving it in dollops creates pockets of creamy goodness throughout the casserole. The sauce-to-pasta ratio should be generous enough that the pasta has plenty to absorb during baking without becoming dry, but not so wet that the finished dish is soupy.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the greatest advantages of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is its make-ahead potential, making it perfect for entertaining or preparing on weekend afternoons for easy weeknight dinners. Follow these guidelines to ensure your make-ahead ziti maintains its quality and flavor.
You can prepare Baked Ziti with Ground Beef completely up to 24 hours before baking. Assemble the entire casserole as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while your oven preheats. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since the dish will be starting cold.
For even more advance preparation, you can make the components separately and store them for assembly later:
- Meat sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container
- Ricotta mixture can be mixed 1 day ahead and refrigerated separately
- Pasta can be cooked, tossed with a little olive oil, and refrigerated for up to 2 days
When you’re ready to serve a refrigerated, fully-baked casserole, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top.
Storing Leftovers
Proper storage of leftover Baked Ziti with Ground Beef ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish for days after initial preparation without sacrificing flavor or texture. Following food safety guidelines is particularly important with this dish due to its dairy content.
Refrigerate leftover baked ziti within two hours of cooking, allowing it to cool slightly before transferring to storage containers. For best results, store in shallow, airtight containers to ensure quick and even cooling in the refrigerator. Properly stored, leftover baked ziti will maintain quality for 3-4 days.
To prevent the pasta from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soggy, consider dividing leftovers into individual portions before refrigerating. This also allows for quicker reheating of single servings.
When reheating, sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta before covering to create steam, which helps revitalize the texture. Microwave individual portions covered with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel on medium power in 1-minute intervals until heated through (usually 2-3 minutes total). For larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Freezing Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef freezes exceptionally well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or preparing ahead for busy periods. The key to successfully freezing this dish lies in proper wrapping techniques and understanding how to restore its original texture when reheating.
For best freezing results:
- Prepare and bake the ziti completely, then allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers—either family-sized or individual servings.
- For optimal protection against freezer burn, wrap the containers first in plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the food, then cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Alternatively, line your baking dish with foil before assembling, freeze completely, then lift out the frozen block, wrap thoroughly in plastic wrap followed by foil, and return to freezer (this frees up your baking dish).
- Label with contents and date—frozen baked ziti maintains best quality for 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen ziti:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture (never thaw at room temperature).
- Remove any plastic wrap and cover with foil.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately the following times:
- Individual portions: 20-30 minutes
- Full casserole (thawed): 30-40 minutes
- Full casserole (from frozen): 60-75 minutes
- Remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes to re-crisp the top.
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.
Pro tip: For the freshest taste post-freezing, add an extra handful of freshly grated cheese on top before the final minutes of reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef from a simple casserole to a memorable dining experience with these thoughtfully selected accompaniments. The rich, cheesy pasta pairs beautifully with lighter, acidic sides that cut through the richness and complete the meal.
For a traditional Italian-American family dinner, serve your baked ziti alongside:
- A crisp green salad with red wine vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or warm Italian bread with olive oil for dipping
- Sautéed broccolini or green beans with garlic and lemon
- Classic Caesar salad with homemade dressing
For a more elevated presentation, consider serving smaller portions of baked ziti as a first course, followed by a light protein main such as grilled chicken or fish. Alternatively, for casual entertaining, set up a buffet with the baked ziti as the centerpiece alongside an antipasto platter, mixed roasted vegetables, and a basket of assorted breads.
Beverage pairings significantly enhance the dining experience:
- Wine: A medium-bodied red such as Chianti, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, or Barbera
- Beer: Amber ale or a light Italian lager
- Non-alcoholic: Italian sodas, sparkling water with lemon, or iced tea with fresh mint
Serve your baked ziti hot from the oven at approximately 160°F for ideal texture and cheese pull. For the perfect presentation, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley just before serving, and offer additional grated Parmesan at the table.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in baked ziti?
Yes, ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative to beef in baked ziti. For best results, choose ground turkey that contains some dark meat (85-93% lean) rather than solely ground turkey breast, which can become too dry during baking. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil when browning the turkey and increase seasonings slightly, as turkey has a milder flavor profile than beef. Consider adding 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory flavor that would naturally come from beef fat.
How can I make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef ahead of time?
Baked ziti is ideal for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes beforehand, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of covered baking time. Alternatively, you can prepare the components separately (cook pasta, prepare meat sauce, mix cheese filling) and store them for up to 2-3 days before assembling and baking. For longer storage, assemble and freeze unbaked, well-wrapped, for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese available, several substitutions work well in baked ziti. Cottage cheese processed briefly in a food processor creates a similar texture—just drain it first if it seems watery. Mascarpone provides a richer, creamier alternative but use slightly less due to its higher fat content. A combination of cream cheese (softened) and sour cream (2:1 ratio) also makes an excellent substitute. For a dairy-free option, well-drained silken tofu blended with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt can mimic ricotta’s texture and provide protein.
Why is my baked ziti dry?
Dry baked ziti typically results from one of several factors: insufficient sauce, overcooking the pasta before baking, or baking uncovered for too long. Ensure you’re using both crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce in adequate quantities—the mixture should seem slightly too saucy before baking, as the pasta will absorb liquid. Always undercook pasta by 2 minutes before assembling, and cover the dish for most of the baking time. If your ziti consistently turns out dry, try adding 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water to your sauce, or a splash of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture. Finally, ensuring your oven temperature is accurate (use an oven thermometer) prevents excessive moisture loss during baking.
Can I make baked ziti without boiling the pasta first?
While traditional baked ziti requires pre-boiling the pasta, you can make a version using uncooked pasta with some modifications. Increase the total sauce by about 1 cup, using more liquid ingredients (add 1/2 cup water or broth). Layer everything as directed but cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Then uncover, top with remaining cheese, and bake 15-20 minutes more until golden. This method requires more liquid and longer baking time to properly cook the pasta. The texture will be slightly different—some prefer the traditional pre-boil method for more control over pasta doneness, while others appreciate the convenience of the no-boil adaptation.
