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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring layers of tender ziti noodles, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese. This classic Italian-American favorite is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, as it’s easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time.

Making this dish at home allows for complete customization, from the type of pasta used to the seasoning in the meat sauce. You can also control the quality of ingredients, avoiding unnecessary preservatives found in pre-made sauces.

Here’s why homemade Baked Ziti is a great choice:

  • Taste & Quality: Using fresh ingredients results in a more flavorful and satisfying dish.
  • Budget-Friendly: This dish is affordable and makes generous servings.
  • Versatility: You can switch up the protein, add vegetables, or make it vegetarian.
  • Meal Prep & Leftovers: Baked Ziti stores well and tastes even better the next day.

This is the perfect dish to bring loved ones together, filling your home with the inviting aroma of bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce. Serve it with garlic bread and a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Quick Tip: For an extra cheesy and gooey top, broil the ziti for the last few minutes of baking until the cheese turns golden brown.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 375  C
Estimated Cost: 20
Calories: 480
Best Season: Winter, Fall
Description

A comforting, oven-baked pasta dish featuring al dente ziti noodles, savory ground beef, and a robust tomato sauce, all layered with gooey mozzarella and ricotta cheese for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients
    Pasta
  • 12 oz Ziti pasta ((or penne, rigatoni))
    • Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Small Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz Tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
  • 1/2 cup Water (if sauce needs thinning)
    • Cheese Mixture
  • 1 cup Ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
    • Topping
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Keywords: baked ziti, ground beef pasta, cheesy baked pasta, easy Italian dinner, baked pasta casserole
Read it online: https://kitchen-cravings.com/recipe/baked-ziti-with-ground-beef/
Bella Wright
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I’m Belle Wright, and I’m here to make your time in the kitchen a little easier, a lot more fun, and, hopefully, delicious. I’ve always believed that food is more than something you eat—it’s about sharing, experimenting, and enjoying the little moments.

I’m a self-taught cook with a passion for creating recipes that are simple enough for weeknights but still feel special. My cooking philosophy? It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated to be good. I focus on practical, approachable recipes that you’ll actually want to make—whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just figuring out how to turn on the oven.

You’ll find everything here from quick family dinners to desserts worth every bite. I also sprinkle in tips, tricks, and the occasional kitchen mishap (because let’s face it, not every recipe is a masterpiece on the first try).

If you love food that’s straightforward, satisfying, and doesn’t take all day to prepare, you’re in the right place. Thanks for stopping by—I hope you’ll stick around and cook with me!