Imagine your kitchen filled with the warm, inviting aromas of a home-cooked Italian meal. The comforting blend of ziti and ground beef creates a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Get ready to explore five irresistible recipes that will make you want to whip up dinner right away!
Classic Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

This dish is the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender ziti smothered in rich meat sauce and gooey cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a warm hug on a plate that everyone adores. The layers of flavors come together beautifully, making it a family favorite.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
What makes this baked ziti so special is its perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The creamy ricotta pairs beautifully with the savory meat sauce, while the melted mozzarella provides that cheesy pull we all love. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish; you can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
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One-Pot Cheesy Beef Ziti

If you’re short on time but craving something delicious, this one-pot cheesy beef ziti is your answer. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; everything cooks together in one pot, saving you time on cleanup. The result? A creamy, cheesy, and meaty delight that’s ready in no time!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe shines because it combines everything in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The beef and cheese meld together, creating a rich sauce that coats the ziti beautifully. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers if you want to amp up the nutrition!
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Spicy Italian Ziti with Ground Beef


Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti from Simply Scratch
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Italian sausage links, lean ground beef, red wine, basil pesto, san marzano tomatoes Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.

My Spicy Baked Ziti from Food.com
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Hot italian sausage, ricotta cheese, spaghetti sauce, ziti pasta, chicken broth Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.

Spicy Sausage Baked Ziti from DadsPantry
Ingredients: Spicy italian sausage, red wine, ricotta cheese, ziti pasta, habanero peppers Total Time: 2 hr.
<pFor those who love a bit of heat, this spicy Italian ziti is sure to satisfy. With a kick from red pepper flakes and the bold flavors of Italian sausage mixed with ground beef, it’s a dish that packs a punch. Perfect for those who enjoy a fiery twist on a classic favorite!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 jar (24 oz) spicy marinara sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
This ziti stands out thanks to its zesty flavor profile and the perfect blend of spices. The combination of beef and Italian sausage adds depth, while the spicy marinara sauce gives it a delightful heat that’s hard to resist. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal that’ll leave everyone reaching for seconds!
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Vegetable-Loaded Ziti with Ground Beef

Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables from Cookie and Kate
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 h 20 min Total Time: 1 h 20 min.
Want to add some veggies to your dinner? This vegetable-loaded ziti packs in all the good stuff while still being a meat-lover’s dream. With ground beef and colorful vegetables, it’s a nutritious twist on the classic that keeps everyone happy!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe is fantastic because it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing flavor. The beef melds beautifully with the fresh vegetables, creating a hearty meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a wonderful option for using up any leftover veggies you have in the fridge!
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Creamy Ziti with Ground Beef and Spinach

Baked Ziti with Spinach and Meat from Allrecipes
Ingredients: Lean ground beef, ricotta cheese, spaghetti sauce, ziti pasta, provolone cheese Total Time: 1 hr 20 min.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Spinach from Mediterranean Latin Love Affair
Ingredients: Cottage cheese, ground beef, ziti, spinach, tomato sauce Total Time: 1 hr.

Easy Baked Ziti from Love and Lemons
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Smoked mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, ziti pasta, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes Total Time: 45 min.
This creamy ziti dish is rich and indulgent, combining the flavors of ground beef, spinach, and a luscious cream sauce. It’s like a cozy Italian hug in a bowl! The addition of spinach not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value, making it a satisfying dinner.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
This creamy ziti recipe is a hit because it combines comfort food with a touch of elegance. The creamy sauce coats the ziti perfectly, while the spinach adds a pop of freshness. It’s an excellent option for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special dinner at home!