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A close-up of a freshly baked ziti with ground beef, topped with melted, bubbly mozzarella cheese and parsley.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

This recipe for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy families. It's designed for ease of preparation and can be made ahead, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Standing Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 whole large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb. Italian sausage
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes, with juice
  • 2 (14.5-oz.) cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
  • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste Ground black pepper
  • 16 oz. ziti or mostaccioli, cooked until not quite al dente
  • 15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • Freshly chopped parsley for serving

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Casserole dish
  • Bowl

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for several minutes until starting to soften. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off most of the fat.
  2. Add the whole tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove 3 to 4 cups of the sauce to a bowl to cool.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the grated mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir lightly.
  5. Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cool water. Add the pasta to the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to combine. Add the cooled meat sauce and toss to combine.
  6. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a large casserole dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of the pasta mixture, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Notes

This baked ziti is freezer-friendly. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing. Reheat in the oven until heated through.

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