Ultimate Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe – Comfort Food

Baked ziti with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food that will make your taste buds dance. Picture this: a cheesy, bubbling casserole filled with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and zesty marinara sauce, all topped with a golden layer of melted cheese. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners or laid-back gatherings with friends.

I still remember the first time I made baked ziti with ground beef for my friends. They were skeptical at first, but once they took that first cheesy bite, it was as if I had discovered the Holy Grail of weeknight dinners. The laughter and compliments flowed as quickly as the wine! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to impress your loved ones, this dish never fails to create delicious memories.

Everyone in my family raves about this dish; even my picky eater cousin declared it “the best pasta ever.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Use medium-sized ziti or penne pasta for the ideal shape to hold onto the sauce and cheese.

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease while keeping all that hearty flavor intact.

• Marinara Sauce: A good jarred marinara sauce saves time; just ensure it has rich flavor and quality ingredients.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; mix it with an egg for better texture and flavor adherence.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooier, the better! Fresh mozzarella works wonders too if you want to elevate the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nutty punch; sprinkle it generously for extra flavor.

• Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil leaves at the end for a burst of color and freshness to complement the rich flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite Italian herbs.

Add Marinara Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce into the skillet with browned meat until heated through. Allow it to simmer gently while you prepare other components.

Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until well mixed. This creamy filling will add richness between layers of pasta.

Assemble the Ziti: In a large baking dish, spread some meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked pasta followed by half of ricotta mixture. Repeat layers and top generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Now you’ve mastered baked ziti with ground beef! Enjoy every cheesy bite surrounded by good company or indulge solo on those “me-time” evenings—no judgment here!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef, then prepare the sauce while boiling the pasta. Assemble everything in a baking dish for efficient cooking and maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect baked ziti combination.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for best results.

Cooking baked ziti with ground beef always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone competes for seconds, and my cousin’s enthusiastic praise still echoes in my mind.

FAQ

What can I substitute for ground beef in baked ziti?

Ground turkey or sausage works wonderfully as alternatives for a lighter dish.

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it the night before and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

How do I prevent my baked ziti from becoming dry?

Make sure to cover it with foil while baking and check moisture levels before serving.

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Baked ziti with ground beef is a quintessential comfort dish that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and zesty marinara sauce, all enveloped in layers of gooey cheese. This hearty casserole is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, guaranteed to warm your heart and impress your guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef; drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Stir marinara sauce into the browned beef; let simmer.
5. Mix ricotta cheese with egg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, half of the cooked pasta, half of the ricotta mixture; repeat layers.
7. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. You can substitute ground beef with turkey or sausage for a lighter option. If preparing in advance, assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.