Baked Ziti with Ground Beef 🧀🥩🍅🔥 Cheesy, Meaty, and Oven-Baked for That Golden, Bubbly Finish

This is baked pasta at its best — saucy ziti layered with seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and loads of melty mozzarella. It’s cozy, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for feeding a family, stocking your freezer, or showing up to a potluck like a hero.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the pasta

• 1 lb ziti or penne
• Salted water for boiling

For the beef and sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or half and half)
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or tomato basil sauce
• Optional: 2 tbsp tomato paste or splash of red wine for depth

For the cheese layer

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
• 1 egg (optional, for structure)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino

To finish

• Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
• Chopped parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until just under al dente (it will finish in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, then stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 3: Build the sauce
Add tomato sauce and optional tomato paste or wine. Simmer 5–10 minutes to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Make the cheese mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta with egg (if using), salt, and a spoonful of Parmesan.

Step 5: Assemble the bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 dish, layer as follows:

• Half the pasta
• Half the meat sauce
• Dollops of ricotta mix
• Sprinkle of mozzarella
  Repeat layers, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Rest and serve
Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with herbs if using.

Flavor Variations

• Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese layer
• Use spicy sausage or ground turkey instead of beef
• Stir pesto into the ricotta for a herby punch
• Add chili flakes for a spicy edge
• Mix in a spoonful of sour cream or mascarpone for extra richness

Pro Tips

• Undercook pasta slightly — it finishes in the oven
• Letting it rest prevents a soupy slice
• Use whole milk ricotta for best texture
• Pre-shred your cheese for better melt
• Freeze before baking for a make-ahead win

Final Thoughts

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food — cheesy, saucy, and always satisfying. It’s hearty enough for cold nights, festive enough for a gathering, and guaranteed to leave everyone going back for seconds.

Layer it. Bake it. Let the cheese stretch. 🧀🥩🍅🔥

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