Description
This classic Baked Ziti with Ground Beef recipe features tender pasta mixed with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly golden perfection, it's a comforting Italian-American favorite perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- ¾ pound dry ziti or rigatoni pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried no-salt added Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade marinara)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure the baked ziti doesn’t stick.
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, approximately 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain the pasta but do not rinse; set aside to retain starch for better sauce adherence.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef along with ½ teaspoon of salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking up the meat, for 6-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt until smooth and well mixed.
- Assemble: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with about 1 cup of the meat sauce until evenly coated. Spoon half the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Dollop and gently spread half the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Layer with 1 cup of meat sauce and sprinkle with ½ cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat layering with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not rinse pasta after boiling to help sauce cling better.
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make an excellent garnish and add brightness.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
