Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Hearty ziti pasta tossed in a rich, savory ground beef and tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, then baked to golden perfection. The ultimate comfort food casserole for any family dinner.
For 6 servings
10 steps. 55 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Bring 4 quarts of water and 2 tsp of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot
- a.Add the ziti and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce
- a.Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the ground beef to the pot
- a.Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute
- a.Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 6
Step 6
- a.In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Add the cooked ziti to the pot with the meat sauce and stir gently until the pasta is fully coated.
- 8
Assemble the casserole
- a.Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
- 9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes
- a.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- 10
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving
- a.This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
- 2Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- 3For the best melt, shred your own mozzarella from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- 4Don't skip resting the casserole after baking. It allows the layers to set, so you get clean slices instead of a soupy pile.
- 5For a deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce after cooking the beef and let it reduce before adding tomatoes.
- 6This dish freezes well. Assemble the casserole but don't bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variation
Substitute the ground beef with ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot), ground turkey, or a combination.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the ground beef and add 1-2 cups of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more, or use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
Creamier SauceCreamier Sauce
Stir 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the tomato sauce at the end of simmering for a richer, creamier consistency.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The ground beef and various cheeses provide a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Provides Sustained Energy
The pasta offers complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing sustained energy throughout the day.
Calcium for Bone Health
Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses are good sources of calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5 cup serving of this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the beef and cheese.