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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef; drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Stir marinara sauce into the browned beef; let simmer.
- Mix ricotta cheese with egg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, half of the cooked pasta, half of the ricotta mixture; repeat layers.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
- 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.