Casseroles & Bakes

Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

Name: Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (250ml) canned tomato paste; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1 tsp (5g) dried basil; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 12 oz (340g) ziti pasta; 1 cup (115g) grated mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Theo Blackwood · June 19, 2026 · Casseroles & Bakes

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total55 min

Serves6

There's something special about a warm, satisfying casserole on a chilly evening, and my baked ziti with ground beef never fails to hit the spot. This recipe has been a staple in my household for years, and I'm excited to share it with you. It's the perfect combination of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection in one easy dish.

I remember my grandmother making a version of this when I was a child, and the aroma that filled the kitchen was just incredible. She'd spend hours in the kitchen, carefully browning the beef and simmering the sauce, and the result was always worth the wait. Over the years, I've tweaked her recipe to make it a bit quicker and easier, without sacrificing any of the flavor.

This baked ziti with ground beef is a great option for a weeknight dinner, as it can be prepared in under an hour and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The best part? It's incredibly versatile - feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or add some extra veggies to make it a bit healthier.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's all about the layers of flavor. By browning the ground beef until it's nice and caramelized, then simmering it in a rich tomato sauce, we create a depth of flavor that's just incredible. And let's not forget the cheese - a blend of melted mozzarella and parmesan adds a creamy, indulgent touch to the dish.

Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner option, or just a lover of all things pasta, this baked ziti with ground beef is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients and steps.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be prepared in under an hour.
The dish is highly customizable, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients or make it a bit healthier.
It's a great option for a crowd, as it serves 6-8 people and can be easily doubled or tripled.
The leftovers are just as delicious as the freshly baked ziti, making it a great option for meal prep.
It's a budget-friendly option, as ground beef and pasta are relatively inexpensive ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great baked ziti is all about the layers of flavor. By browning the ground beef until it's nice and caramelized, we create a rich, meaty flavor that's the perfect base for our sauce. Then, by simmering it in a mixture of canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs, we add a depth of flavor that's just incredible.

Another important factor is the pasta itself. By using ziti, which has a rough texture that holds onto the sauce perfectly, we ensure that every bite is coated in that delicious, meaty flavor. And let's not forget the cheese - a blend of melted mozzarella and parmesan adds a creamy, indulgent touch to the dish.

Finally, it's all about the baking process. By baking the ziti in a hot oven until it's golden brown and bubbly, we create a crispy, caramelized crust on top that's the perfect contrast to the soft, cheesy pasta underneath.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this baked ziti with ground beef, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including ground beef, ziti pasta, canned tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they'll make a big difference in the final dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for ground beef that's at least 80% lean, as this will help to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. You'll also want to choose a good-quality canned tomato, such as San Marzano or similar, as these have a richer, more intense flavor than other varieties.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose ground beef that's at least 80% lean to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. You can also use ground turkey or ground pork if you prefer.
1 medium onion, finely choppedMake sure to chop the onion finely, as this will help it to cook evenly and prevent it from overpowering the other flavors in the dish.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor, and be sure to mince it finely so that it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoesChoose a high-quality canned tomato, such as San Marzano or similar, for the best flavor.
1 cup (250ml) canned tomato pasteTomato paste adds a rich, intense flavor to the sauce, so be sure to use it if you can find it.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano has a more subtle flavor than fresh oregano, so it's a good choice for this dish.
1 tsp (5g) dried basilLike oregano, dried basil has a more subtle flavor than fresh basil, making it a good choice for this dish.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor, and be sure to taste the sauce as you go to ensure that it's not too salty.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor, and be sure to taste the sauce as you go to ensure that it's not too peppery.
12 oz (340g) ziti pastaZiti pasta has a rough texture that holds onto the sauce perfectly, making it a great choice for this dish.
1 cup (115g) grated mozzarella cheeseChoose a high-quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavor, and be sure to grate it yourself for the best texture.
1/2 cup (55g) grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish, so be sure to use it if you can find it.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor, and be sure to use it sparingly to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenWooden spoon or silicone spatulaColander or strainer9x13 inch baking dishInstant-read thermometerCheese grater or food processor with grating attachment

How to Make Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2
In a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it's shimmering. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it's fragrant and starting to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can give the dish a bitter flavor.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula as it cooks. Cook the beef until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, then drain the excess fat from the skillet.
5
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until it's thickened and the flavors have melded together.
6
Stir the cooked ziti pasta into the sauce, making sure that it's well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of water to thin it out.
7
Transfer the pasta and sauce to a 9x13 inch baking dish, and top it with the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.
10
Serve the baked ziti hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Expert Tips

Be sure to cook the ziti pasta until it's al dente, as this will help it to hold onto the sauce better.
Use a high-quality canned tomato for the best flavor, and be sure to choose a variety that's low in sodium.
Don't overcook the garlic, as this can give the dish a bitter flavor.
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will help the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.
Consider adding some other ingredients to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to give it more flavor and texture.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the ziti pasta with a gluten-free variety.
To make the dish more substantial, you can add some cooked sausage or bacon to the sauce.
Consider using a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the ziti pasta until it's al dente, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Overcooking the garlic, which can give the dish a bitter flavor.
Not letting the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which can make the cheese seem runny and unappetizing.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as canned tomatoes that are high in sodium or ground beef that's too fatty.
Not seasoning the sauce enough, which can make it seem bland and unappetizing.
Not covering the dish with aluminum foil during baking, which can make the top layer of cheese seem burnt and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding some diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Using a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Adding some cooked sausage or bacon to the sauce for extra protein and flavor.
Using a gluten-free variety of ziti pasta for a gluten-free option.
Adding some chopped fresh parsley or basil to the sauce for extra flavor and freshness.
Using a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique flavor and texture.
Adding some diced ham or cooked chicken to the sauce for extra protein and flavor.

What to Serve With Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

This baked ziti with ground beef is a hearty, satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Some other options for serving this dish include making it a bit healthier by adding some extra veggies, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to the sauce. You can also add some cooked sausage or bacon to the sauce for extra protein and flavor.

Serve with a green saladServe with garlic breadServe with roasted vegetablesAdd some diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to the sauceAdd some cooked sausage or bacon to the sauceUse a gluten-free variety of ziti pasta

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This baked ziti with ground beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat the dish, simply cover it with aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.

When storing the dish in the refrigerator, be sure to let it cool to room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the dish fresh for a longer period of time.

When freezing the dish, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and label it with the date and contents. This will help you to keep track of how long it's been in the freezer and ensure that it's still safe to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of ground beef you like, but it's best to choose a leaner variety, such as 80/20 or 90/10, to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, but ziti is a good choice because it has a rough texture that holds onto the sauce well.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add a variety of ingredients to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to give it more flavor and texture.

How long can I store this dish in the refrigerator?

You can store this dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and label it with the date and contents.

How do I reheat this dish?

To reheat this dish, simply cover it with aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it.

Is this dish gluten-free?

No, this dish is not gluten-free because it contains ziti pasta, which is made from wheat. However, you can substitute the ziti pasta with a gluten-free variety to make the dish gluten-free.

The Full Recipe

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