This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting Italian-American classic that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Featuring tender ziti pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s simple to prepare, rich in flavor, and delivers the ultimate cheesy goodness in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1.5 lbs ground beef
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
Salt, to taste
1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup broth (chicken recommended)
1 (16 oz) package ziti pasta, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and sauté the diced onion and crushed garlic until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Stir in the ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and salt to taste. Mix well to evenly coat the meat with spices.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook until the mixture is hot and bubbly. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained ziti pasta with about 1.5 cups of the prepared meat sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Spread half of the pasta mixture in the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Spread the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer, then add the rest of the pasta.

Step 7: Bake the Ziti

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 8: Add More Cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve

Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: Approximately 8 servings

Calories: 478 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg
Sodium: 1150 mg
Potassium: 720 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 6 g
Vitamin A: 510 IU
Vitamin C: 5 mg
Calcium: 190 mg
Iron: 4 mg

This Baked Ziti recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. It’s a satisfying dish that combines tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and cheesy layers, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

The Origins of Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish with roots in traditional Italian cuisine. It draws inspiration from pasta al forno, a baked pasta dish that often features layers of pasta, meat, tomato sauce, and cheese. Over time, baked ziti has evolved to reflect American preferences, incorporating ingredients like mozzarella and Parmesan to create a cheesier, heartier version.

Its simplicity and adaptability have made it a favorite across generations, earning its place as a go-to comfort food for family dinners and celebrations alike.

The Secret to a Perfect Meat Sauce

The heart of any great baked ziti is its meat sauce. This recipe’s sauce, made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of warm spices, provides a rich and savory foundation for the dish.

Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef ensures the sauce is flavorful without being overly greasy.
Spices: A unique blend of ground cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and oregano adds depth and a subtle warmth to the sauce, making it stand out from other baked ziti recipes.
Tomato Sauce and Broth: The combination of tomato sauce and chicken broth creates a balanced base that is rich, tangy, and slightly savory.

Cooking the sauce until it’s hot and bubbly allows the flavors to meld together, ensuring every bite is infused with robust taste.

The Role of Cheese in Baked Ziti

Cheese is the star ingredient that transforms baked ziti into a truly indulgent dish. This recipe features two types of cheese—mozzarella and Parmesan—each playing a unique role:

Mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella adds creaminess and that iconic stretchy texture, making the dish irresistible.
Parmesan: Grated Parmesan contributes a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dish.

Layering the cheese between the pasta and sauce ensures every forkful is cheesy and satisfying. For an extra cheesy twist, you can add ricotta or a blend of Italian cheeses like fontina or provolone.

Why Ziti Pasta?

Ziti pasta is the ideal choice for baked dishes because of its sturdy, tube-like shape. Its hollow center allows the sauce to seep inside, ensuring each piece is coated with flavor. The smooth surface of ziti provides a pleasing texture, while its size makes it perfect for layering in a casserole dish.

If you don’t have ziti on hand, other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni can be used as substitutes. Each brings its own texture and character to the dish.

Assembling the Perfect Baked Ziti

The beauty of baked ziti lies in its layered structure, which combines all the components—pasta, sauce, and cheese—into a cohesive and delicious dish.

Base Layer: Coating the bottom of the baking dish with a layer of pasta ensures it doesn’t stick while forming the foundation of the casserole.
Middle Layers: Alternating layers of meat sauce, cheese, and pasta create a balanced distribution of flavors and textures.
Top Layer: A generous sprinkling of cheese on top forms a golden, bubbly crust during baking, adding visual appeal and extra flavor.

Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking helps retain moisture, while removing it toward the end allows the cheese to melt and brown perfectly.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Undercook the pasta slightly before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Season Generously: Since pasta absorbs flavors, ensuring the sauce and cheese are well-seasoned is key to a flavorful dish.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent melting. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and enhances the dish’s texture.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Customizing Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Switch the Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different twist.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Go Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add roasted vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives.
Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with ricotta, asiago, or provolone for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Ziti is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks:

Sides: Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Drinks: Pair with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with lemon or iced tea are equally refreshing.
Dessert: End the meal with a light dessert like tiramisu, panna cotta, or a fruit tart to complement the richness of the ziti.

Why Baked Ziti Is a Crowd Favorite

Baked Ziti’s universal appeal comes from its comforting flavors, ease of preparation, and ability to feed a crowd. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s served at a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. Its make-ahead potential also makes it a practical choice for busy households or entertaining.

The combination of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s satisfying and memorable. It’s no wonder baked ziti has become a timeless classic loved by people of all ages.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. Its tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and layers of melted cheese come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

Simple yet rich in flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping. The ease of customization ensures it can be tailored to suit any taste or occasion. Serve it warm, and watch as it becomes a favorite in your household—a dish that brings smiles to the table with every cheesy bite.