This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a hearty comfort-food casserole loaded with tender pasta, rich seasoned beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked until golden and melty on top, it delivers all the cozy flavors of classic lasagna with much easier assembly, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals.
Why You’ll Love It
- Rich ground beef and tomato sauce packed with savory Italian flavor
- Layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create an extra-cheesy finish
- Easier to assemble than traditional lasagna
- Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, parties, or freezer meals
Ingredients Overview
Pasta
- 12 oz ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, for the pasta water
Beef Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the ziti and cook until just al dente according to the package directions.
Drain the pasta and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Beef Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and slightly thickened.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Set aside while preparing the casserole.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of beef sauce across the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Combine the cooked pasta with about half of the remaining beef sauce.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
Add the remaining pasta and spoon the remaining beef sauce over the top.
5. Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the casserole.
Finish with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
Make sure the top is evenly covered so the casserole develops a bubbly, golden cheese crust.
6. Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown.
For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end while watching carefully.
7. Serve
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Cut or spoon into generous portions and serve warm.
Cooking Tips
- Cook the pasta slightly under al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Let the beef sauce simmer until thick so the casserole does not become watery.
- Use whole-milk ricotta and mozzarella for the richest texture.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Let the baked ziti rest before serving so the layers hold together better.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy baked ziti with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Fresh tomato and cucumber salad
Storage
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce before reheating if the pasta seems dry.
Leftover Ideas
- Add extra mozzarella and rebake leftovers for an even cheesier finish.
- Portion leftovers into containers for easy meal-prep lunches.
- Turn leftover baked ziti into a cheesy pasta skillet with spinach or mushrooms.
FAQs
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or another sturdy tube-shaped pasta works perfectly.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes. Cottage cheese is a good substitute. Drain excess liquid first for the best texture.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef combines tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of bubbling melted cheese in one satisfying casserole. Easy to assemble and perfect for feeding a crowd, this comforting baked pasta is an excellent choice for family dinners, holidays, gatherings, or whenever you want a warm and cheesy homemade meal.
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