There’s something magical about a bubbling dish of Beefy Baked Ziti coming out of the oven — the melted cheese, the rich tomato sauce, the tender pasta all layered together in one irresistible bite. It’s hearty, cozy, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd (or guaranteeing leftovers worth fighting over).
The first time I made this baked ziti, I was trying to recreate the comforting pasta dinners I grew up with — simple, meaty, and loaded with cheese. It’s not fancy; it’s family food at its best. Now it’s a regular rotation meal right beside my Old-Fashioned Southern Meatloaf and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.
Beefy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Spread half of the ziti in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the beef sauce, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the layers set.
Nutrition
Notes
• Use a quality marinara sauce for maximum flavor.
• Make ahead friendly — just assemble and refrigerate.
• Letting it rest before serving helps set the layers.
• Try mixing in spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Beefy Baked Ziti
This casserole has everything you want from comfort food — juicy ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara, and gooey layers of mozzarella and ricotta cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights but cozy enough for company.
If you love cheesy pasta dishes like my Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup or Cajun Seafood Alfredo, you’ll be obsessed with this ziti.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
If you enjoy classic baked dishes like this, you’ll also love my Loaded Cornbread Casserole — the same cozy, family-style flavor with a Southern twist.
How to Make Beefy Baked Ziti
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasoning
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the ziti in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the beef sauce, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the layers set.
If you love pasta bakes with big flavor, this one will remind you of my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup — same cozy vibes, different format.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
- Cook pasta just shy of done: It finishes cooking in the sauce.
- Use good marinara: The sauce makes all the difference.
- Don’t skip the rest time: It keeps the slices clean and layered.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
These simple details are the same secrets behind my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole — comfort and flavor made easy.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.
Reheat: Bake at 325°F until hot, or microwave individual portions.
Like my Garten’s Cranberry Orange Bread, this dish tastes even better the next day — the flavors deepen beautifully.
Flavor Variations
- Three-Cheese Ziti: Add provolone and fontina for extra cheesiness.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy Ziti: Use Italian sausage instead of beef for more kick.
- Lighter Option: Use ground turkey and low-fat cheese.
If you love tweaking classics, my Beef and Chickpea Skillet gives that same bold, hearty flavor in a lighter form.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes — they’re nearly identical in texture and shape.
2. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely — just blend it smooth first for the best texture.
3. Can I assemble it the night before?
Yes, cover tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — skip the beef and add more veggies or meatless crumbles.
The Final Bite
This Beefy Baked Ziti is everything you want in comfort food — hearty, cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. It’s a family favorite that’s simple enough for weeknights and cozy enough for Sunday dinner.
Serve it with garlic bread or my Cheesy Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread and a crisp salad for a meal that everyone will love.