Description
This homemade baked ziti with ground beef and cream cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this hearty pasta bake is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in. Discover the best easy baked ziti recipe packed with savory flavor and creamy goodness.
Ingredients
16 oz ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef
3 cups marinara sauce
8 oz cream cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce.
7. Layer half of the pasta, followed by more sauce and mozzarella. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella and parmesan.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use ziti or substitute with penne or rigatoni.
You can prepare it ahead and refrigerate before baking.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg