• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cooking On The Ranch logo

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Roundup
  • Contact Me
  • Join Community
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Soups, Stews, & Chilis
  • About
  • Recipe Roundup
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home > Pasta Recipes > Baked Ziti With Ground Beef, Zucchini and Fire Roasted Tomatoes

    Baked Ziti With Ground Beef, Zucchini and Fire Roasted Tomatoes

    Published: Jan 21, 2010 · Modified: Aug 10, 2020 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A piece of baked ziti pasta served in a blue bowl.

    Baked Ziti With Ground Beef , Zucchini and Fire Roasted Tomatoes is the ultimate no-fuss comfort food. This easy cheesy baked pasta casserole is simple for an easy weeknight dinner. Great for make ahead and freezes well.

    A piece of baked ziti pasta served in a blue bowl.

    I mean who doesn’t love a baked cheesy one pot pasta dish??? And a pasta casserole that that’s make-ahead and freezes well?

    If you’re looking for baked ziti for a crowd, this is perfect for a pot luck, or to take to neighbor in need.

    And if you’re looking for a baked ziti to freeze, this recipe works very well for a make-ahead freezer meal option.

    This and my potato casserole recipe are my go-to recipes when the neighborhood comes together and creates a meal train to help someone who has had surgery or has had a death in the family.

    Inspiration for Ground Beef Baked Ziti

    This recipe is compliments of Muir Glen Tomato products. It’s an easy, no fuss version of baked ziti. The fire roasted tomatoes add a depth of flavor not available with regular tomatoes.

    And adding zucchini gives it an extra kick of creaminess.

    Since making this ground beef baked ziti, I’ve tried more complicated, fussy lasagna type versions of baked ziti with ricotta, and I must say, this simpler version is just as tasty.

    And when I took it to a pot luck party at the office, one of my co-workers who doesn’t like ricotta, thanked me for making a baked ziti without ricotta. I guess some simply don’t like the texture of ricotta cheese.

    Simply said, I like this baked ziti using mozzarella cheese. It makes this a sturdier and more flavorful end result.

    Baked Ziti Recipe with Fire Roasted Tomatoes

    Before Christmas I received an offer from Muir Glen to purchase a pack of their special reserve harvest tomatoes. It was only 7 bucks so I said “what the heck”.  Plus, the shipment included a nice little cookbook.

    Wanting to try the Fire Roasted Tomatoes first, I saw this easy baked ziti recipe, it sounded delicious. And it was. 

    I even made a special trip to Whole Foods for some good quality ziti.  I have a pantry full of whole grain pastas just to stay on the healthier side, but for the first try of this recipe wanted the whole devilishly sinful effect.

    Disclaimer: Muir Glen Tomatoes doesn’t even know I’m alive. I’ve not been compensated or provided product from the company. I just happen to love their fire roasted tomatoes and this recipe.

    Baked Ziti Ingredients

    • Baked Ziti Cheese: The only cheese you’ll find in this recipe is mozzarella cheese. Creamy, salty, traditional, wonderful mozzarella.
    • Baked Ziti Meat sauce:
      • Fire Roasted Tomatoes, The Muir Glen Tomatoes are fire roasted over an open flame to accentuate their sweet flavor. They add a depth of flavor that makes this recipe even more special.
      • Extra Lean Ground Beef, using ground beef rather than a stronger flavored Italian Sausage, lets the other ingredients shine.
      • Zucchini, brings a creamy texture to the sauce. It’s a must, so don’t omit.
      • Onion, Use sweet onion for this baked ziti recipe. It will compliment the mild flavors in this recipe. A yellow onion would be your 2nd choice.
      • Tomato Sauce: Adds another layer of beautiful tomato flavor to the sauce.
      • Oregano and Garlic: You simply can’t make baked ziti with ground beef without oregano and garlic.

    Baked Ziti with Zucchini

    Aren’t we all looking for ways to use zucchini once those crops come in each Summer? This baked ziti with zucchini will most certainly help that cause. The zucchini adds a creamy texture to the end result.

    I was a little leery that this might taste too tomatoey because it had one can of tomatoes plus one full can of tomato sauce.   I was wrong. 

    This recipe is delicious and the mild. The sweet flavor of those fire roasted tomatoes mixed in with all that mozzarella cheese, ground beef and zucchini makes this a scrumptious pasta dish. 

    Just serve with your favorite green salad and you’ve got a wonderful meal that you could even serve to guests at a dinner party.

    I made absolutely no changes to this recipe from Muir Glen, except for using my Dutch oven on the stove top, so I could easily transfer the meal to the oven.  So, without any further ado:

    Recipe for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, Zucchini and Fire Roasted Tomatoes

    Baked Ziti Recipe with Fire Roasted Tomatoes

    I hope you give this easy baked pasta casserole a try and if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating. Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes.

    And if you have a favorite baked ziti casserole recipe, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.

    More Italian Pasta Recipes

    • Italian Sausage Ricotta Pasta Sauce, This is a recipe for ricotta pasta sauce made with nothing more than ricotta cheese, Italian Sausage and tomatoes. Served over Pappardelle pasta.
    • Pasta with Slow Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Slow roasting cherry tomatoes bring a unique caramelized flavor to this pasta recipe. Creamy, sweet and savory, this easy pasta dinner is addicting in flavor.
    • Chicken Spinach Lasagna Rolls, These Chicken Spinach Lasagna Rolls offer a lighter version of this Italian classic and a unique way to serve lasagna for entertaining.
    • Cheesy Pork Stuffed Jumbo Shells, A wonderful Italian comfort food casserole. Feeds a crowd, can be prepared in advance, great for the next time you’re having guests for dinner.

    And if you’re looking for more pasta recipes, don’t miss my pasta recipes category. You’ll find lots of great pasta ideas including the most popular pasta recipe on my site for Spicy Creamy Shrimp Pasta.

    A piece of baked ziti pasta served in a blue bowl.

    Baked Ziti with Fire Roasted Tomatoes

    Easy no fuss recipe for Baked Ziti with Fire Roasted Tomatoes.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Pasta Recipes
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 237kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 2 1/2 cups ziti pasta 8 oz, uncooked
    • 1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef at least 90%
    • 1 cup sweet onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
    • 1 medium zucchini cut in half lengthwise, sliced 1/4 inch thick
    • 15 ounce tomato sauce canned
    • 14.5 ounce Fire roasted tomatoes diced and drained
    • 2 teaspoons fresh oregano leaves chopped
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt kosher or sea
    • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
    • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 3 oz
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Heat oven to 375°F. Cook and drain pasta as directed on box.
    • Meanwhile, spray 12×8-inch (2 quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat, stirring frequently, until beef is thoroughly cooked.
    • Stir zucchini into beef mixture; cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling. Add drained pasta; toss to coat. Spread in baking dish.
    • Cover dish tightly with foil; bake 20 minutes. Remove foil; sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered about 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
    • High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Increase covered bake time to 30 minutes.
    • Substitution: If you like, use ground turkey or chicken in place of the ground beef.  Substitute 1 teaspoon dried oregano for fresh.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 693mg | Potassium: 557mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 752IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    Baked Ziti Recipe With Ground Beef …It’s What’s For Dinner.

    More Pasta Recipes

    • Quicker Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese
    • Creme Fraiche Pasta Sauce With Gremolata
    • Salmon and Pasta with Paprika Wine Sauce
    • Fettuccine Mio Amore Recipe (Lincoln Highway Pasta)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chris says

      January 23, 2010 at 1:44 pm

      Sounds like a great product, I’ve never seen that brand around here. Were the shipping costs much?

      Reply
      • leaannbrown says

        January 23, 2010 at 1:53 pm

        Shipping was included in the 7 bucks. It is a great product. Whole Foods and Safeway both carry it here. Thanks Chris

        Reply
    2. anncoo says

      January 23, 2010 at 3:00 am

      I really enjoyed eating this…love the creaminess 🙂

      Reply
    3. pigpigscorner says

      January 22, 2010 at 11:45 pm

      Love tomato based pasta! Looks gorgeous!

      Reply
    4. Natashya says

      January 22, 2010 at 6:27 pm

      Yum, looks delish! I hope we get fire-roasted tomatoes up here soon.

      Reply
      • leaannbrown says

        January 22, 2010 at 9:53 pm

        Thanks Natashya

        Reply
    5. Barbara says

      January 23, 2010 at 12:15 am

      That “right out of the oven” photo was a killer!
      I’ve never heard of fire roasted tomatoes…I’ll start looking for them. Yummy recipe!

      Reply
    6. Christine @ Fresh Local and Best says

      January 22, 2010 at 10:46 pm

      This is indeed a stellar job by the Muir Glen marketing department. The baked ziti with fire roasted tomatoes looks and sounds like a winning recipe. I love the way the mozzarella cheese is drapes over the pasta in silky creaminess. Love it!

      Reply
      • leaannbrown says

        January 22, 2010 at 10:52 pm

        Thanks for stopping by Christine!

        Reply
    7. Joanne says

      January 22, 2010 at 11:51 am

      Muir Glen is my favorite company to buy tomatoes from. And baked ziti just happens to be one of my favorite dishes! it looks fantastic. I could use a dish right now…

      Reply
      • leaannbrown says

        January 22, 2010 at 10:02 pm

        I could use a dish right now too, I’m getting hungry catching up on all of my food blog reading.

        Reply
    8. Phoo-D says

      January 22, 2010 at 4:40 pm

      This looks wonderful and so gooey! I always have cans of the fire roasted tomatoes in my cupboard. They are so good in salsas, enchiladas, and anything else. I’m hooked!

      Reply
      • leaannbrown says

        January 22, 2010 at 9:59 pm

        It was most certainly ooey – gooey good. I’m going to stock up on fire roasted tomatoes and use them just like you do. Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    9. buffalo dick says

      January 22, 2010 at 2:45 pm

      Gourmet pasta dish, at its finest!

      Reply
      • leaannbrown says

        January 22, 2010 at 10:00 pm

        As always, thanks for stopping by BD

        Reply
    10. Vickie says

      January 22, 2010 at 1:13 pm

      I love one pot meals and this looks sooo tasty! I have never bought this brand of tomatoes, but will look for them – fire roasted diced tomatoes sound divine! Great Post!

      Reply
      • leaannbrown says

        January 22, 2010 at 10:01 pm

        I love this brand of tomatoes. Thanks for stopping by Vic.

        Reply
    11. donna says

      January 22, 2010 at 11:49 am

      How in the world do you make ziti photo so well?? It looks gorgeous. I am actaully a fan of their fire roasted tomatoes, I use them in many things. One that comes to mind is Manhattan Clam Chowder. Looking for ward to you trying some other recipes using them:)

      Reply
      • leaannbrown says

        January 22, 2010 at 10:02 pm

        Donna that Ziti picture was difficult and I still don’t think it turned out all that hot. Great idea for those tomatoes – love Clam Chowder.

        Reply
    12. Steph says

      January 22, 2010 at 4:01 am

      This is my kind of dish! Looks great – I wish I had some now!

      Reply
      • leaannbrown says

        January 22, 2010 at 10:07 pm

        Thanks Steph

        Reply
    13. Linda says

      January 22, 2010 at 12:50 am

      Sounds delicious!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Lea Ann, A Culinary School Grad bringing you Wild West Colorado inspired recipes. You'll find lots of Southwestern, and Mexican food recipes, and some favorites from Culinary School along with pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous home cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of inspiration and reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

    More about me →

    Reader's Favorites

    • Thick and Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
    • Savory Oven Roasted Cast Iron Skillet Potatoes
    • Broccoli Cheez Whiz Rice Casserole
    • Crispy Baked Wings in Santa Fe Sauce

    Soups & Stews

    • Sherried Black Bean And Ham Soup
    • Easy Turkey Lentil Soup with Barley
    • Jacques Pepin’s Beef Stew In Red Wine
    • Creamy Southwestern Chicken Soup

    Taco Tuesday

    Super Bowl Game Day Recipe Ideas

    Dessert Recipes

    • Chile Chocolate Bourbon Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Frosting
    • Key Lime Pie Recipe – No Bake
    • Strawberry Tart Recipe with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
    • Cherry Delight, No Bake Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Cherry Dessert

    Footer

    Featured in and partnered with

    Privacy Policy

    • Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Statement

    Copyright © 2023 Cooking On The Ranch • Privacy Policy

    • 4
    537 shares
    537 shares