Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a simple, satisfying dinner that combines ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella for classic Italian comfort food. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or make-ahead meals, this baked pasta is a crowd-pleaser everyone will enjoy.
There’s something about a hot casserole that brings people together. This baked ziti delivers comforting flavors similar to lasagna but with far less fuss. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply bake before serving, and the meat sauce is delicious on its own—make a double batch and freeze some for quick weeknight dinners over spaghetti.
I often serve this dish for casual gatherings, brunches, birthdays, or showers. It also works well for events where you need food that can stay warm in the oven while you’re away.
Give this recipe a try and leave a comment to share how it turned out!
How to Make Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Start by making the meat sauce. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, then add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and cook another minute or two.
Pour in tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Let the sauce simmer at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld—longer is better if you have the time.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti, penne, or rigatoni in a separate pot until just under al dente—about two minutes less than package directions—so it finishes cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and combine it with the meat sauce, shredded parmesan, and most of the mozzarella in a large bowl.
Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or large casserole pan. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly. For a golden, slightly crisp top, remove the foil and broil 2–3 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
This versatile baked pasta pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread. It reheats beautifully and is ideal for serving a crowd.
Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced onionabout ½ an onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 28 ounce can tomato sauce
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add the onions and cook about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and cook 1–2 minutes more. Pour in the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, bring to a low simmer, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F. Boil the penne until about 2 minutes shy of the package time so the pasta is very al dente. Drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, meat sauce, parmesan, and 1½ cups of mozzarella. Toss to combine and transfer to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes until bubbly. If desired, remove the foil and broil 2–3 minutes to brown the top. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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