baked ziti with ground beef recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
baked ziti with ground beef recipe
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The Best baked ziti with ground beef recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite baked ziti with ground beef recipe. This classic Italian-American dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become one of your go-to recipes too.

The first time I made this recipe, I was surprised by how easy it was to prepare and how much my family loved it. My kids devoured the entire casserole in one sitting, and my husband asked for seconds (and even thirds!)

I knew right then that this recipe was a winner. The combination of tender ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy melted mozzarella cheese is absolute perfection.

Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone to eat their vegetables – who doesn’t love a good pasta dish loaded with nutritious veggies? As a busy mom of three, I appreciate that this recipe is quick to prepare, freezes well, and serves a crowd.

It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in with the family. So grab some ground beef, pasta sauce, and mozzarella cheese – let’s get cooking!

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

4.5 from 1283 votes

A comforting and hearty pasta dish featuring ziti noodles, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz ziti pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
salt
water

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Mixture

15 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 egg

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain and set aside.
5Toss pasta with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
6In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
7Drain excess fat.
8Add diced onion and minced garlic, then cook until onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
9Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
10Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11Remove from heat.
12In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and egg.
13Mix well until smooth.
14In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
15Add a layer of cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and a third of the remaining meat sauce.
16Repeat with another layer of ziti, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another third of the meat sauce.
17Top with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheeses.
18Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
19Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
20Enjoy your baked ziti with ground beef.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or mushrooms instead of ground beef.

Watch Video Of How Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Works

This baked ziti with ground beef recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal.

It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and stores well in the fridge or freezer.

Plus, it’s packed with nutritious veggies and protein-rich ground beef making it a great option for families looking for healthy meal ideas.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using ziti pasta for this recipe because its tubular shape holds onto the sauce perfectly. You can also use penne or rigatoni if you prefer – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: Do I need to cook the ground beef before adding it to the casserole?

Yes, make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked before adding it to the casserole mixture.

Q: Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese with another type of cheese?

You can use other types of cheese such as cheddar or Parmesan if you prefer – just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I reheat leftover baked ziti?

To reheat leftover baked ziti, simply place it in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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