Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Hearty and comforting, this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef features layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese. It's the ultimate family-friendly casserole!
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large Pot
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce
- 12 oz ziti pasta uncooked
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- optional fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in marinara sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and half the meat sauce. Mix well.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving if desired.
Notes
Make it ahead by assembling the casserole, covering it tightly, and refrigerating until ready to bake. It freezes beautifully too!