This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage) is the ultimate comfort food. Tender pasta is coated in a rich, meaty tomato sauce, then layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a dish that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Busy families who want a hearty make-ahead meal.
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Pasta lovers looking for a twist on lasagna without all the fuss.
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Home cooks who want a freezer-friendly dinner option.
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Anyone craving cheesy, saucy, Italian-inspired comfort food.
Why it’s Great
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Simple yet satisfying: Classic ingredients that never fail to impress.
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Customizable: Swap beef for sausage, or use both for more flavor.
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Make-ahead friendly: Prepare and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
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Feeds a crowd: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Large pot (for boiling pasta)
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Large skillet (for cooking meat and sauce)
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Mixing bowls
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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9×13-inch baking dish (or foil pan for freezing)
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Aluminum foil (optional, to cover while baking)
Ingredients
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1 lb ziti or penne pasta
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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2 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or foil pan.
2. Boil the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Brown the Meat
Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
5. Make the Sauce
Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
6. Mix it All Together
In a large bowl, combine pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in ricotta and half of the mozzarella.
7. Layer & Top
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
9. Rest & Serve
Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving—this allows the layers to set and gives you those perfect cheesy pulls.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked ziti (well wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
FAQ
Q: Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely—cottage cheese is a lighter alternative with a similar creamy texture.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the meat and bulk up the sauce with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Q: Should I cover the pasta while baking?
You can cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning, then uncover for the last 10 minutes.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Ziti is everything you want in a comforting pasta dish—rich sauce, tender pasta, and layers of creamy, melted cheese. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining. Make a big batch, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the taste of homemade Italian comfort.
