Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food that brings the whole family together. This classic Italian-American casserole features tender pasta tossed in a rich, savory meat sauce and topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It is the perfect hearty meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner.

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can easily prep it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you are ready to eat, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or entertaining guests. The combination of seasoned ground beef, zesty marinara, and gooey cheese creates a crowd-pleasing dish that tastes even better as leftovers the next day.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until just al dente, then drain.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, draining any excess fat.
4. Stir the marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt until smooth.
6. Combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce in the pot or skillet, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, then dollop the ricotta mixture over the top and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella.
8. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food solution for busy weeknights or large family gatherings. By layering tender pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce and a trio of melty cheeses, you create a hearty dish that delivers classic Italian-American flavors with minimal effort. It is a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal that often tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize the spice level or swap in different cheeses based on what you have in your pantry. Whether you are hosting a casual dinner party or just looking for a warm, gooey meal to enjoy at home, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a staple in your rotation. Serve it alongside a fresh Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a complete, restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.