Description

Baked ziti with ground beef is comfort food at its finest—layers of al dente ziti pasta smothered in savory marinara sauce, rich ground beef, and a medley of gooey cheeses. This dish brings families together, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, baked ziti is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz ziti pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
24 oz marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for 7-8 minutes; drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For a twist, substitute ground beef with turkey or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. To enhance creaminess, mix an egg into the ricotta before layering. Add extra marinara before baking to prevent dryness.