Nothing beats the warmth of a homemade baked ziti on a chilly evening. Every forkful is a perfect balance of tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and creamy cheese that melts in your mouth.

I remember the first time I made this dish—the aroma of garlic and Italian herbs filling the kitchen, the golden brown cheese bubbling on top, and the satisfying layers waiting to be devoured. It instantly became a family favorite and a go-to recipe for cozy nights.

Why You’ll Love It:
– Creamy and cheesy texture with tender pasta and a slightly browned top
– Rustic, hearty appearance with warm reds and golden browns
– Layers of ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese combined with savory ground beef
– Flavored with garlic and Italian seasoning for authentic taste
– Baked to perfection in a shallow ceramic dish, perfect for serving and sharing

Ready in just over an hour, this baked ziti is a comforting, effortless meal that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas.

Baked Ziti

Print Recipe

A creamy and cheesy baked ziti with tender pasta, ground beef, and rich tomato marinara sauce, baked until golden brown and bubbling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Ziti pasta
1 pound Ground beef
3 cups Tomato marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups Ricotta cheese
2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Add the tomato marinara sauce to the cooked beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix gently until evenly blended.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a shallow, round ceramic baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses over the pasta layer.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop portions to reveal the layers.

FAQ
Q: Can I make this baked ziti ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance, keep it refrigerated, and bake just before serving.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Save this recipe for your next cozy dinner or print it out to have it handy in your kitchen. You’ll be so glad you did!