Name: Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti or penne pasta; ½ cup chopped pancetta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup chopped white onion; 4 cloves chopped garlic; 1 Tbsp fresh basil; 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 4 cups marinara sauce; 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Introduction

This Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting, hearty pasta dish perfect for family dinners. Loaded with flavorful ground beef, pancetta, and a blend of cheeses, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

A white square baking dish filled with baked pasta layered with three main parts: the bottom layer of penne pasta mixed with rich red meat sauce, the middle layer is a generous amount of melted bubbly golden cheese, and fresh green basil leaves scattered on top. Some pasta and sauce are scooped out on one side, showing the thick meat sauce and pasta inside. A silver serving fork rests inside the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth nearby, and a white plate with some pasta is seen blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ziti or penne pasta
½ cup chopped pancetta
1 lb ground beef
1 cup chopped white onion
4 cloves chopped garlic
1 Tbsp fresh basil
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes
4 cups marinara sauce
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain well.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the pancetta until crisp. Remove and set aside on paper towels.
Step 3: In the same skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, then drain off excess fat.
Step 4: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and crispy pancetta, mixing gently to combine.
Step 7: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 8: Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture and cheeses.
Step 9: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 10: Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.

Tips & Variations

Be careful not to overcook the pasta before baking; it will continue to cook in the oven and stay perfectly tender.
Season the pasta water with salt to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
If the pasta mixture feels dry, add a little extra marinara sauce before layering to keep it moist.
You can substitute pancetta with bacon or omit it for a simpler version.
This dish is great to prepare ahead and bake just before serving, making it ideal for busy nights.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until hot.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked pasta dish in a white rectangular baking dish. The bottom layer is made of cooked penne pasta mixed with rich ground beef in a thick red sauce. On top of this is a layer of melted, golden-brown cheese with slightly crispy edges. Scattered fresh green basil leaves add a touch of color. A fork is digging into one corner, lifting some pasta from the dish, showing the layered texture clearly. The dish sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and there is a gray cloth partially visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta for this recipe?

Yes, penne works well as a substitute, or any tubular pasta like rigatoni or fontina can be used if you prefer a variation.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and pancetta and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.