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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

A cozy, family-friendly casserole filled with melty cheese and rich marinara, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Preparation
  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.

Notes

Use al dente pasta to prevent the final bake from becoming mushy. Drain browned beef well to avoid a watery casserole. Mix cheeses into the ziti for an 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.