A bubbling baked pasta loaded with savory beef and stretchy mozzarella, the kind of oven dish that fills the kitchen with warmth on a cold winter evening.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 55 min
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside so it keeps its structure during baking.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the onion and garlic to the beef and cook until softened and fragrant, allowing the base flavors to develop.
Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, then season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened and well balanced.
Combine the cooked ziti with the beef sauce, mixing until every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top evenly with mozzarella, and bake until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 610 | Protein: 34g | Carbs: 48g | Fat: 32g
Quick Facts
• oven-baked comfort meal
• cold weather favorite
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
Cook the pasta just shy of fully done to prevent it from becoming too soft after baking.
Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving so it slices cleanly and holds its layers.
Use full-fat mozzarella for better melt and a richer, stretchier finish.
Variations
Creamy Winter Ziti
For a deeper winter-style bake, stir a small amount of cream directly into the beef sauce before mixing with the pasta. This softens the tomato acidity and creates a richer, casserole-like texture that reheats exceptionally well. If you’re into comforting, slow-cooked dishes, this Grandma’s Slow Cooked Pot Roast brings the same cozy energy to the table.
Rustic Skillet Ziti
Assemble the pasta and sauce in an oven-safe skillet instead of a baking dish and bake uncovered. This creates crisp edges, deeper caramelization, and a more rustic, family-table presentation.
Lighter Family Ziti
Reduce the pasta slightly and add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini to the sauce. This version stays filling but feels lighter and easier to enjoy regularly. You might also like these Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipes for more veggie-packed meal ideas.