Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Marinara Sauce is the ultimate Italian-American comfort food — rich, cheesy, saucy, and full of hearty goodness. It’s everything you love about lasagna but much easier to make! Tender ziti pasta is layered with a robust beef marinara, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden brown.

The beauty of baked ziti lies in its balance of textures and flavors: the al dente pasta soaks up the savory tomato sauce, the beef adds richness, and the cheeses create creamy, melty layers that make every bite irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines everything comforting about Italian cuisine into one dish — pasta, cheese, and sauce, all baked together into perfection. Unlike more complex layered dishes like lasagna, this baked ziti is forgiving, simple, and foolproof, yet just as satisfying.

Most importantly, this recipe is versatile — you can tweak it to your taste with extra veggies, different meats, or even a white sauce version. Every time I make it, it feels like bringing the warmth and joy of an Italian kitchen right into my home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Marinara Sauce is a must-try because:

• It’s simple yet impressive — perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
• It’s budget-friendly and uses everyday ingredients.
• It’s comforting and satisfying, ideal for cold days or cozy nights.
• It feeds a crowd — great for potlucks or gatherings.
• It’s freezer-friendly and can be made ahead.

If you’re looking for a dish that makes everyone go back for seconds, this is it.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Calories: ~580 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80–85% lean)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce (or homemade sauce)
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes (optional for extra sauciness)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg (optional, for creamier texture)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For Baking:

• ½ cup extra mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add ziti pasta and cook until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6–8 minutes.
5. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce (if using), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
7. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, egg (if using), and parsley.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
3. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
4. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
5. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread evenly.
6. Add half of the remaining sauce and sprinkle with a handful of mozzarella.
7. Repeat layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, sauce, and cheese.
8. Top with the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving — this helps the layers set beautifully.

How to Serve

Serve your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Marinara Sauce warm and cheesy straight from the oven.

Perfect pairings include:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Caesar salad or mixed green salad
• A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot
• A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a touch of freshness

It’s a complete and satisfying meal all on its own!

Recipe Tips

• Undercook the pasta slightly — it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Use a good marinara sauce. The sauce is the backbone of flavor, so pick one you love or make your own.
• Don’t skip resting time. It allows the cheese and sauce to firm up, making cleaner slices.
• Add veggies. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers blend perfectly with the sauce.
• Make ahead. Assemble the dish a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Variations

1. Baked Ziti with Sausage: Replace half or all of the ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
2. Vegetarian Ziti: Skip the beef and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant.
3. Three-Cheese Ziti: Add ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone for a cheesy upgrade.
4. Spicy Ziti: Use spicy marinara or add crushed chili flakes and pepper jack cheese.
5. White Ziti: Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and add grilled chicken for a creamy version.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezer (unbaked): Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 3 months.
• Freezer (baked): Let cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months.
• To Reheat:
  • From Fridge: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
  • From Frozen: Thaw overnight and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti?
Yes! Any short tubular pasta works great — penne, rigatoni, or even rotini.

Q2: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely — cottage cheese makes a great substitute and adds extra creaminess.

Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving.

Q4: My cheese burned on top — what happened?
You may have baked it uncovered too long. Always cover with foil for the first half of baking.

Q5: Can I add other meats?
Definitely! Try a mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, or even ground turkey.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Marinara Sauce is a timeless, comforting classic that brings everyone to the table. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with Italian flavor — a dish that fills your home with warmth and your plate with happiness.

Whether you’re cooking for a big family dinner, hosting guests, or meal-prepping for the week, this baked ziti never disappoints. The combination of rich marinara, seasoned beef, and molten cheese layers creates a meal that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing.