Cheesy Beef Baked Ziti

The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

Imagine pulling a bubbling, golden-brown casserole from your oven, where layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta mingle with seasoned ground beef and a trio of melted cheeses. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Cheesy Beef Baked Ziti recipe! This dish holds a special place in my heart because it was the first recipe I mastered as a newlywed, trying to recreate my Italian grandmother’s famous pasta bakes. What makes this version unique is its perfect balance of cheesy indulgence and hearty meat sauce, creating a comfort food masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

Unlike my Classic Lasagna recipe, which requires more intricate layering, this baked ziti comes together in just about 45 minutes while delivering the same satisfying flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between effort and reward.

What is Cheesy Beef Baked Ziti?

Ever wondered why this pasta dish has such a specific name? Well, ziti is actually named after the Italian word “zita” or “ziti,” meaning bride or bridegroom! Traditionally served at weddings in Naples, this tube-shaped pasta has become a star in American-Italian cuisine. They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and this cheesy, meaty pasta bake certainly proves that theory right! Think of it as lasagna’s laid-back cousin – all the same delicious flavors but with half the fuss. Ready to create some pasta magic in your kitchen?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Beef Baked Ziti is a game-changer for several reasons. First, the combination of three different cheeses – mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan – creates an irresistibly creamy, stretchy texture that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Cost-wise, you’ll love that this recipe can feed a crowd for less than what you’d pay for takeout, plus it makes fantastic leftovers. The star of the show is our homemade meat sauce, seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic, which tastes even better than your favorite Italian restaurant’s version. Just like my Popular Three-Cheese Macaroni recipe, this baked ziti proves that homemade pasta dishes are worth every minute of preparation. Ready to dive in and create this cheesy masterpiece?

How to Make Cheesy Beef Baked Ziti

Quick Overview

This comforting pasta bake takes about 20 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake. The result is a perfectly layered casserole with al dente pasta, savory meat sauce, and a gloriously cheesy top that’s sure to impress.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook ziti in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent (5 minutes).
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (8-10 minutes).
6. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
8. Layer in the baking dish: half the pasta, half the meat sauce, all the cheese mixture, remaining pasta, remaining sauce.
9. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
10. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 5-7 minutes until cheese is golden brown.

What to Serve Cheesy Beef Baked Ziti With

This hearty dish pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• Caesar salad or mixed green salad
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts
• A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

1. Don’t overcook the pasta – it will continue cooking in the oven
2. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving
3. Use room temperature ricotta for better mixing
4. Grate your own cheese for better melting
5. Season each layer for the best flavor
6. Don’t skip the resting time – it helps the layers set

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months – wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Schema Markup

• Preparation Time: PT20M
• Cooking Time: PT25M
• Total Time: PT45M
• Type of Recipe: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Keywords: pasta bake, Italian food, comfort food, family dinner, casserole, weeknight meal
• Recipe Yield: 8 servings
• Calories: 580 per serving

Pros

• Perfect for feeding a crowd
• Make-ahead friendly
• Budget-friendly
• Freezes well
• Customizable recipe
• Kid-friendly meal
• Great for leftovers

Cons

• Requires multiple pots and pans
• Not suitable for gluten-free diets
• High in calories
• Requires some planning ahead
• Best served fresh for optimal cheese pull