Description
Baked ziti with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce, all layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheese. This hearty dish is not only perfect for family dinners but also a great option for gatherings, promising satisfaction with every bite. The crispy cheese topping and flavorful filling create a mouthwatering experience that evokes nostalgia. With its versatility, you can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables or swapping proteins to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this baked ziti will bring warmth and joy to your dining table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti in boiling salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with ricotta and half of the mozzarella in a bowl.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish followed by half of the meat sauce; repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Customize with vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. Use turkey or sausage as an alternative to ground beef for different flavor profiles. Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating it before baking.