Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying dinner, this baked ziti with ground beef is a must-try. It’s packed with rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and layers of melted cheese — everything you want in a cozy, family-friendly meal.
This easy baked pasta comes together quickly and delivers classic flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights. If you love meals like this, you’ll also enjoy exploring more ground beef pasta recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Cheesy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying
- Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- A lasagna-style dish without the extra work
This recipe fits right in with other easy ground beef pasta dishes that are perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together for bold flavor.
For the Pasta
- Ziti or rigatoni
- Salt
You can explore more pasta-based dishes using similar ingredients.
For the Meat Sauce
- Ground beef
- Garlic
- Onion
- Tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Build flavor with staples like garlic and onion, and create rich sauces using tomato sauce or marinara sauce. You can also find more recipes using olive oil.
For the Cheese Layer
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Ricotta (optional)
For more cheesy dishes, explore recipes using mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
How To Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Cook pasta until al dente
- Brown ground beef with garlic and onion
- Add tomato sauce and seasoning, then simmer
- Mix pasta with sauce
- Layer pasta and cheese in a baking dish
- Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes
- Let rest before serving
For more hands-off meals like this, browse these oven baked dinner recipes
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Pasta
- Don’t overcook pasta
- Use freshly shredded cheese
- Let it rest before serving
- Add ricotta for creaminess
- Double the recipe for leftovers
If you’re planning a full meal, this baked ziti pairs perfectly with a fresh salad.
You can also rotate this into your weekly meal plan alongside other ground beef recipes
Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1½ cups ziti noodles cooked
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 small shallot
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 jar pasta sauce or homemade marinara (you can find this on my blog!)
- ricotta cheese
- pecorino or provolone or dairy free
- sliced mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook ziti according to package directions. Drain.
- Sauté shallot in olive oil, then add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in sauce and simmer briefly.
- Layer pasta, cheese, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- Broil for 3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest before serving.
Notes
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 420–520
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbohydrates: 45–55g
- Fat: 18–25g
- Fiber: 3–5g
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does baked ziti with ground beef last in the fridge?
Baked ziti with ground beef lasts up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely before storing to maintain the best texture.
Can I freeze baked ziti with ground beef?
Yes, baked ziti with ground beef freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I make baked ziti with ground beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble baked ziti with ground beef up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Why is my baked ziti dry?
Baked ziti with ground beef can turn out dry if there isn’t enough sauce or if it’s overbaked. Make sure the pasta is well coated and avoid overbaking.
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