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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a hearty baked pasta recipe loaded with ground beef, marinara sauce, sour cream, heavy cream, provolone and mozzarella cheese.

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a classic pasta dish the whole family will love.

This cheesy pasta with hamburger meat is the perfect comfort food.

This baked pasta recipe takes about fifty-five minutes from start to finish and serves up to eight people.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To make this ground beef ziti, I started by cooking some ziti noodles according to the instructions on the package.

Once the ziti was cooked, I drained it and set it aside.

I greased a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

I cooked some diced onions in a skillet until translucent.

I added some ground beef to the skillet and crumbled the ground beef well as it cooked.

I added some Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and oregano and stirred well.

When the ground beef was fully cooked, I drained the grease from the skillet.

I added some sour cream to the skillet with the ground beef.

I added some marinara sauce to the skillet.

I added some heavy cream and stirred all of the ingredients together well.

I let the mixture simmer for about eight minutes, stirring frequently.

I spread half of the cooked ziti out in the bottom of the greased baking dish.

I spooned half of the meat sauce evenly over the ziti in the baking dish.

I placed slices of provolone cheese on top of the sauce.

I sprinkled shredded mozzarella on top.

I added the remaining ziti on top of the cheese.

I poured the remaining meat sauce mixture over the ziti.

I topped the dish with more provolone slices and shredded mozzarella.

I covered the baking dish with foil.

I placed the dish in the oven and baked it covered for twenty-five minutes.

Then I removed the foil and continued baking uncovered until the cheese was starting to brown on top.

I removed the dish from the oven and allowed it to rest for a few minutes.

I sprinkled some chopped parsley on top.

Then the cheesy baked ziti was ready to serve.

This baked ziti is a delicious and comforting Italian-American dish that combines pasta, a rich meaty sauce, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese.

It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.

The baked cheese on top forms a golden, bubbly crust that seals in the flavors and offers a satisfying contrast to the creamy, cheesy layers underneath.

You’ll definitely want to add this one in to your regular rotation.

If you are looking for a delicious ground beef pasta recipe, then you need to try this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef!

More Easy Ground Beef Pasta Recipes You’ll Love…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef:

• 1 box (16 ounces) Ziti pasta
• ½ cup diced onions (I used sweet onion, but you can also use red onion)
• 1 pound ground beef (I used 80/20)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasonings
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 jars (22 ounces) marinara sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 6 slices Provolone cheese, cut in half, divided
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella, divided

How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef:

1. Cook the pasta, according to the directions on the box, to an al dente texture. Don’t overcook them as they will go in the oven for 30 minutes.
2. Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and add 2 tablespoons of oil or butter (OPTIONAL) so they don’t stick together. Set aside.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
4. Oil or butter a 9 x 13 baking dish.
5. In a skillet, over medium heat, cook the onions until they are translucent.
6. Add the ground beef. Using a heat-proof spoon, break the meat into pieces and add the Italian seasonings, salt, ground black pepper, and oregano. Mix and cook the meat completely.
7. Drain the fat from the meat. Place back on the stove over medium heat.
8. Add the sour cream, Marinara sauce, and heavy cream. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes while mixing.
9. Place half of the cooked pasta in the baking dish in a single layer.
10. Pour half of the meat sauce and gently spread evenly, don’t mix.
11. Place 3 slices of Provolone cheese and ½ cup shredded Mozzarella on top.
12. Add the remaining of the pasta on top of the cheese.
13. Evenly spread the remaining of the sauce over the pasta.
14. Add 3 slices of Provolone cheese and 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella. (*NOTE* If you like VERY cheesy, add ½ cup extra of Mozzarella)
15. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
16. Uncover and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is nice and golden on top.
17. Serve and Enjoy!

FAQS:

How should I store my baked ziti?

Store baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days.

What substitutions could I make?

• Make it spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder in the sauce. 
• Make it kid-friendly: Use breakfast sausage for a sweeter taste. Add corn kernels to the sauce. 
• Make it Deluxe: When you are softening onions, add mushrooms and serve with fresh grated Parmigiano.

What should I serve with my baked ziti?

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish, and there are many delicious side dishes and accompaniments you can serve with it to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some options:

1. Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or garlic knots is a classic choice to complement the ziti. You can make your own or buy pre-made garlic bread from the store.
2. Salad: A crisp and refreshing salad, such as a Caesar salad, garden salad, or an Italian chopped salad, can provide a nice contrast to the rich and cheesy baked ziti.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini, are a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with the cheesy pasta.
4. Breadsticks: Soft and fluffy breadsticks are another great choice, especially when served with marinara sauce for dipping.
5. Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables for a more elaborate Italian meal.
6. Garlic Sauteed Spinach: Sautéed spinach with garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice can add a healthy and vibrant side to your baked ziti.

Ultimately, your choice of side dish will depend on your personal preferences and the occasion. Feel free to mix and match these options to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

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