Description

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a heartwarming dish that combines layers of al dente pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheeses baked to perfection. This easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, delivering comfort in every bite. With its rich marinara sauce and creamy cheese blend, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz ziti pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
3 cups marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with minced garlic for about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped basil until smooth.
In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce and half of the ricotta mixture; repeat layers.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. You can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.