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    Home » Pasta

    Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

    Published: Dec 15, 2022 · Modified: Jan 20, 2023 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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    Easy baked ziti with ground beef is a comfort food recipe that you'll go back for again and again. This gorgeous, luscious pasta dish will knock your socks off! I could eat it everyday for the rest of my life.
    Total time 50 minutes
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Baked Ziti with meat is a comfort food dish that you'll go back for again and again. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce makes for a meal that is sure to please the whole family. Easy, kid friendly luscious baked ziti recipe that will knock your socks off!

    Next time, try this tasty creamy pasta.

    A close up of a plate of food, with baked Ziti pasta

    This baked ziti recipe is very versatile and adaptive. We could eat this happily every day for the rest of our lives, it’s a major family pleaser. Add some hidden veggies to the formula, think spinach, peas, carrots...etc. Or maybe, use a different cheese mixture, play with the kind of meat, use sausage, spike up the sauce with additional herbs... trust me you can change this recipe and have it every single day with a totally new flavor. Nobody will ever complain.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love It
    • 🥄 Instructions
    • 👩‍🍳 Variations
    • 💬 FAQs
    • 📣 Related Recipes
    • Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

    ❤️ Why You'll Love It

    • Easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs
    • Kid friendly recipe
    • Pure comfort food that will show up frequently on your dinner table
    • No special kitchen skills required and made with a handful of ingredients

    🥄 Instructions

    Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

    A collage of four images showing how to cook ground beef for this recipe.
    • We'll need to brown the ground beef first, I like to saute onion and garlic a bit then add the beef, brown then drain. This way the onions are not so crunchy which is something my kids do not like. But if you are used to browning the beef first then add the onion, it is completely ok.
    • Add spices, tomato sauce and broth, let it simmer until hot and bubbly.
    • Meanwhile, cook ziti pasta as directed on the package. Ladle some of the meet sauce over the pasta and mix well.
    • Pour half of the pasta mixture at the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish.
    • Add some of the cheese then the remaining meet sauce.
    • Top that with the other half of the pasta.
    • Bake for 20 minutes covered, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and pop again in the oven for 7-10 minutes until cheese is melted
    A serving of baked ziti with meat on a green plate with a fork and a big pyrex of baked ziti beside it.

    👩‍🍳 Variations

    • Add a layer of ricotta cheese in the middle if you would like to.
    • Can be made with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
    • Use whole wheat pasta, gluten free or low carb pasta.
    • Make it with no meat for a vegetarian dish.
    • Add some chopped vegetables like eggplant, zucchini and squash for a healthier dish.

    💬 FAQs

    Does Baked Ziti contains meat?

    Baked Ziti is a dish made with .. you guessed it .. ziti pasta, the Italian-American way. Usually the pasta is cooked separately from the sauce then both combined and baked. The sauce can have meat, sausage, mushrooms, pepper, onion and much much more. That;s why I told you it is very versatile and very adaptive to your liking.

    How long does baked ziti last in the fridge?

    If properly stored, cooked ziti will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

    Can I make baked ziti in advance?

    Baked ziti is not only a family favorite but a crowd pleaser and very suitable for parties and large gatherings. You can make it two days in advance and just stop before baking. When you are ready to serve, continue as directed.

    Can I freeze already baked ziti casserole?

    Pasta dishes freeze very well, cover with plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw on countertop and heat it again covered in oven or in microwave.

    A whole pyrex of baked ziti with melted cheese on top and sprinkled with some chopped parsley.

    📣 Related Recipes

    Here are some of my favorite pasta dishes that my family like as well, check them out.

    • A delicious lasagna without ricotta cheese. It's easy to make and tastes amazing!
    • Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish that is made with tender, juicy shrimp and a flavorful garlic and butter sauce. Your family is going to love this simple dish.
    • This is my go-to weeknight meal when I'm in the mood for something fast and comforting. Beef Stroganoff without sour cream is creamy delicious and lighter family favorite dinner.
    • This meatloaf recipe is moist, old fashioned, tender with a delicious glaze. Sticky sweet and super delicious! You can eat the whole thing in one sitting – I won't tell.
    • Super easy ground beef Philly cheesesteak casserole perfect family friendly one skillet dinner the entire family will love.

    I hope you'll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!
    Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for the FREE Amira's Pantry newsletter delivered to your inbox with lots of tips and surprises! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.

    If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.

    What’s new? Check out Amira's Pantry Store on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of nostalgic goodness!  Thanks so much for being a part of Amira's Pantry!

    A close up of a plate of food, with baked Ziti pasta

    Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

    Easy baked ziti with ground beef is a comfort food recipe that you'll go back for again and again. This gorgeous, luscious pasta dish will knock your socks off! I could eat it everyday for the rest of my life.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian / American
    Diet: Halal
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 269kcal
    Author: Amira

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tablespoons oil
    • 1 small onion diced
    • 2 garlic cloves crushed
    • 1.5 lb ground beef
    • ½ teaspoon cardamom ground
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ground
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1.5 teaspoon dried oregano
    • Salt to taste
    • 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
    • 1 cup broth I’ve used chicken.
    • 1 (16oz) package Ziti pasta , cooked and drained.
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350F.
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, saute onion and garlic in oil. Add beef and cook until no longer pink.
    • Drain excess fat then return to stove top.
    • Add seasonings and mix well.
    • Add tomato sauce and broth then stir to combine. Cook until bubbly and hot all through. Remove from heat.
    • Stir about 1.5 cup of the meat sauce into the cooked pasta.
    • Put half of the pasta in the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish. To that with 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
    • Add the remaining sauce then the rest of the pasta, cover and pop in the oven for 20 minutes.
    • Uncover and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese on top. Place back in the oven for 10 more minutes or until cheese melts.

    Notes

    Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 269kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 249IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 189mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AmirasPantry or tag #AmirasPantry!

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    First published April 2018 . Last updated December 15 2022 with important tips, clear step by step instructions and readability.


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    About Amira

    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anna Likousis

      April 18, 2022 at 3:05 am

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for your lovely recipes

      Reply
    2. John / Kitchen Riffs

      April 04, 2018 at 8:21 am

      Who doesn't like baked pasta? Such a nice, comforting dish. I could probably eat pasta every single day -- I like it that much. Anyway, this looks excellent -- thanks.

      Reply

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    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends. Read More…

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