Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Let’s get cooking

introduction

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a cozy, family-friendly casserole that delivers melty cheese and saucy comfort in every forkful. This version is easy to assemble and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

If you enjoy hearty comfort food with simple steps, you might also appreciate flavors found in savory casseroles like this baked corned beef casserole which highlights how one-pan bakes make weeknights easier.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

• Total comfort-food flavor: rich marinara, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese.
• Quick-ish weeknight meal: most of the work is hands-off baking.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers: reheats well for lunches.
• Kid- and crowd-pleaser: cheesy and familiar flavors appeal to all ages.
• Customizable: swap cheeses or add veggies to suit your family.

Ingredients Needed :

Pasta

• 8 oz ziti pasta

Protein

• 1 lb ground beef

Sauce & cheeses

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
• 1 cup cream cheese (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Spices & finishing

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Italian seasoning (optional)

If you want a deeper braised-beef profile before mixing everything, consider slow techniques like those used with braised beef neck bones and then incorporate shredded meat into the ziti for extra richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet with the beef and mix well; simmer for a few minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta cheese (if using), and half of the mozzarella cheese; mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a classic combo. For a cozy family meal, pair with roasted broccoli or a simple Caesar salad. For dessert, keep the fun going with playful treats inspired by donuts with sprinkles — small, sweet bites are great after a hearty pasta bake.

Tips for Success Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

• Use al dente pasta: it prevents the final bake from becoming mushy.
• Drain browned beef well to avoid a watery casserole.
• Mix cheeses into the ziti for even melt and save some for the topping.
• Let the bake rest 5–10 minutes before serving so slices hold together.
• For extra flavor, stir a splash of red wine into the sauce while simmering.
• Freeze-friendly: assemble, then freeze before baking; bake from frozen but add 10–15 extra minutes.

variation (if any)

• Swap half the ground beef for Italian sausage for more savory depth.
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra veggies.
• Make it lighter: use part-skim mozzarella and skip the cream cheese.
• Vegetarian: replace beef with seasoned cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If frozen, bake from frozen and add extra baking time until bubbly.

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or even short tubular pasta work well because they hold sauce.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat single portions in the microwave, or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Q: Can I reduce the dairy?
A: Absolutely — use less cheese, swap ricotta for cottage cheese, or choose low-fat versions for a lighter bake.