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Close-up of a bubbling Baked Ziti with Ground Beef topped with melted mozzarella and parsley in a red baking dish.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

This recipe offers a comforting and hearty baked ziti with ground beef, perfect for families. It can be adapted for dietary needs, making it a versatile dish for any home cook.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Standing Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 whole large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb. Italian sausage
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes, with juice
  • 2 (14.5-oz.) cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
  • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste Ground black pepper
  • 16 oz. ziti or mostaccioli, cooked until not quite al dente
  • 15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • Freshly chopped parsley for serving

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Casserole dish
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for several minutes, or until starting to soften. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off the fat, leaving a bit behind for flavor and moisture.
  2. Add the tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. After that time, remove 3 to 4 cups of the sauce to a bowl to cool down.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  4. To a separate bowl, add the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of grated mozzarella, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir together just a couple of times (do not mix completely).
  5. Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Pour the cooked pasta into the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to slightly combine (there should still be large lumps). Add the cooled meat sauce and toss to combine.
  6. Add half of the coated pasta to a large casserole dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then top with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of the coated pasta, sauce, and mozzarella. Bake until bubbling, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta before serving!

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead and frozen. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. You can also substitute gluten-free pasta or use low-carb pasta alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.

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