Description
Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a classic Italian casserole featuring al dente ziti, savory smoked beef, rich marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, this quick and comforting recipe serves six, delivering a hearty, cheese‑laden meal that’s ideal for weeknight meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta until al dente, drain.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat.
- Stir marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the beef; simmer 5 minutes.
- In a bowl combine cooked ziti, ricotta, half mozzarella, and beef sauce; mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13″ baking dish; top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake 25‑30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.
Notes
- For extra depth
- use smoked beef instead of regular ground beef. Reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes for a softer top
- then uncover to brown the cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, easy baked ziti recipe, ground beef pasta bake, Italian comfort food, quick dinner ideas, family pasta dishes, oven baked ziti, how to make baked ziti, best baked pasta recipes