If you’re craving a hearty Italian classic that’s brimming with flavor and a creamy twist, you absolutely must try this Mouthwatering Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s a comforting, oven-baked casserole that combines perfectly cooked ziti pasta with savory ground beef and Italian sausage, all enveloped in a rich sauce highlighted by luscious cream cheese. This dish strikes the ideal balance between cheesy indulgence and meaty satisfaction, making it a winner for family dinners or when you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While the list of ingredients might look like a classic Italian spread, each one plays an essential role here. From the pasta that holds everything together to the cream cheese that gives a creamy depth, the ingredients come together in harmony, creating layers of taste, texture, and color you’ll adore.
- 16 oz ziti: The perfect pasta shape for soaking up sauce and cheese without getting mushy.
- 1 onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that balances the meatiness.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 0.75 lb ground beef: Brings hearty, savory flavor and satisfying protein to the bake.
- 0.5 lb ground Italian sausage: Adds a spiced, savory complexity that pairs wonderfully with the beef.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that evoke traditional Italian flavors with every bite.
- 0.5 tsp red pepper (or to taste): Just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering.
- 32 oz marinara sauce (I like Rao’s Homemade): The rich, tomato base that binds the dish and keeps it moist and flavorful.
- 14 oz diced tomatoes: Adds chunks of fresh, vibrant tomato texture in the sauce.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The star ingredient for creamy indulgence and smoothness throughout.
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano: A fragrant herb that complements the Italian seasoning beautifully.
- 2 cups mozzarella (shredded): Melts beautifully on top, creating that gooey, golden crust everyone loves.
- 0.75 cup Parmesan (freshly grated): Adds a sharp, nutty finish that enhances richness and depth.
How to Make Mouthwatering Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prepare the Meat
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until it’s al dente—just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain it and set it aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion until it softens and becomes translucent, then add the minced garlic for a quick burst of fragrance. Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, stirring and breaking the meat up, until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Into the skillet with the browned meat and aromatics, add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step ensures all the herbs and spices infuse perfectly, building a rich, savory base for the pasta.
Step 3: Incorporate Cream Cheese for Creaminess
Once your sauce is simmered to perfection, reduce the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a luscious, velvety texture that sets this baked ziti apart from all the rest. This creamy element melds beautifully with the tomato and meat sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large bowl or the pot used to cook the pasta, gently fold the cooked ziti into the creamy meat sauce until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated. This guarantees you get that mouthwatering sauce in every bite, not just on top.
Step 5: Assemble, Top, and Bake
Transfer the sauced pasta evenly into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—that extra patience makes the flavors settle and the cheese set into a perfect, cheesy crust.
How to Serve Mouthwatering Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top adds a touch of bright green freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, baked pasta. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes will awaken the dish even more.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp, green salad dressed lightly with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is also perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personalized portions that look stunning on the table. You can also layer it with roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for added color and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish holds up very well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this Mouthwatering Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place your portion in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the oven method preserves the crust and texture best.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with other meats?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative, though the flavor will be milder. For a vegetarian version, try using seasoned plant-based crumbles or a mix of mushrooms for that umami punch.
Is cream cheese necessary, or can I use something else?
The cream cheese is key to achieving that creamy texture and smooth mouthfeel in the sauce. However, ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute if you prefer a lighter texture, or mascarpone for an even richer taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead completely before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s going into the oven cold.
What type of marinara sauce works best?
Choose a high-quality marinara with a natural, fresh tomato flavor and minimal preservatives or added sugars. Rao’s Homemade is a favorite, but any flavorful, robust sauce will enhance the dish wonderfully.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The 0.5 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth that balances the richness without overpowering. Feel free to adjust based on your family’s heat preference or omit altogether for a milder profile.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the comfort of a baked pasta dish, and this Mouthwatering Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Recipe hits all the right notes. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with spiced meat and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I wholeheartedly encourage you to whip this up for your next family dinner or cozy night in — it’s sure to be a new favorite!
Print
Mouthwatering Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This mouthwatering baked ziti recipe combines tender pasta with a savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and creamy cheese. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and a rich marinara sauce, this hearty dish is baked to golden perfection, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz ziti pasta
Meats & Seasonings
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.75 lb ground beef
- 0.5 lb ground Italian sausage
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
Tomato Sauce
- 32 oz marinara sauce (such as Rao’s Homemade)
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
Cheeses
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti.
- Cook the pasta. Boil the ziti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics and meat. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned and cooked through.
- Add seasonings and sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Incorporate cream cheese. Add the softened cream cheese to the sauce mixture and stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce. In a large mixing bowl or directly into the skillet off the heat, mix the cooked ziti with the meat sauce until well coated.
- Assemble the casserole. Transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the ziti. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Rest and serve. Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for extra freshness.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
