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Bubbling hot baked ziti with ground beef in white ceramic baking dish topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

This baked ziti with ground beef recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food in just 45 minutes. With tender pasta, rich marinara meat sauce, and three types of cheese, this hearty casserole satisfies cravings while saving time in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli as substitutes
  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 blend recommended
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese whole milk or part-skim
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion in olive oil for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Add ground beef, cook 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp for flavor.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5-7 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat sauce, ricotta, and 1 cup mozzarella.
  6. Grease 9×13 baking dish. Spread half the pasta mixture, sprinkle with half mozzarella and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta mixture, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes before baking to keep it al dente. Let the baked ziti rest before serving to allow it to set.