Go Back
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is cozy, cheesy, and packed with pasta, savory beef, marinara sauce, and melted parmesan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 8
Calories 580 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven mitts

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 jar 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 can 15 ounces tomato sauce

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Extra parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the ziti pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Do not overcook it because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
  • Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Pour in the marinara sauce and tomato sauce.
  • Let everything simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors can develop.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  • In a large bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Egg
  • Parsley
  • Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti

  • Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and stir until coated.
  • Spread half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
  • Add spoonfuls of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
  • Spread the remaining pasta on top.
  • Finish with the remaining mozzarella and extra parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake

  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes melted and golden.
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • This helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.
Keyword Baked Ziti with Ground Beef