Irresistible Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

There’s something magical about a bubbling dish of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, tickling your nostrils like an old friend stopping by for a surprise visit. The cheese melts into glorious gooeyness, wrapping around the tender pasta and savory ground beef like a cozy blanket, inviting you to dive in.

I can still remember the first time I made this dish for my family. It was a chilly Sunday evening, and as I pulled it from the oven, my kids’ eyes lit up like Christmas morning. Baked Ziti has become our go-to comfort food for family gatherings and cozy nights in, and who can resist such cheesy goodness?

I once served this at a family gathering, and the plate was emptied faster than you could say “second helpings.” The kids were fighting over the last bits, which felt like winning a culinary gold medal.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ziti Pasta: Use medium-sized ziti pasta that holds sauce well and provides that perfect bite.

• Ground Beef: Freshly ground beef adds a rich flavor; choose lean for a healthier option.

• Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara sauce enhances the flavor; homemade or store-bought works beautifully.

• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness; look for whole milk ricotta for best results.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts beautifully and creates that cheesy pull.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth; don’t skip it for that extra umami kick!

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness; use it as garnish before serving.

• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices elevate the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish; they are essential!

• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté the meat and enhances overall taste.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that tie everything together; be generous but taste as you go!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your favorite baking dish and give it a light spritz with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare the beef mixture.

Sauté the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle some olive oil. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned all over. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in garlic powder and onion powder while stirring. Let those flavors mingle for about a minute before adding marinara sauce.

Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with half of the marinara-beef mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella until well combined.

Layer It Up: In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the remaining marinara-beef mixture at the bottom. Layer half of the ziti mixture on top, followed by more marinara-beef sauce. Top everything off with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake to Perfection: Cover with aluminum foil (to avoid burning) and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil in last 10 minutes to get that golden bubbly cheese we’ve all been dreaming about!

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy!

Now gather everyone around because it’s time to dig in! Enjoy every cheesy bite of your delicious Baked Ziti with Ground Beef!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef while boiling the pasta, then mix everything with the sauce and cheese for a seamless cooking experience.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella to suit your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Sharing this dish reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly anticipated the first slice of cheesy goodness. It never failed to bring smiles and satisfied bellies.

FAQ

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef in Baked Ziti?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and offers a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

How long should I bake Baked Ziti with Ground Beef?

Bake it at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Can I prepare Baked Ziti in advance?

Yes! Assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting classic that’s both hearty and satisfying. This dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and layers of gooey cheese in a rich marinara sauce, creating an irresistible meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With easy preparation and the ability to customize based on pantry staples, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot, cook ziti until al dente (8-10 minutes), drain, and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté ground beef in olive oil until browned (5-7 minutes). Add garlic powder and onion powder; stir for one minute before mixing in marinara sauce.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti with half of the marinara-beef mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella.
5. Layer half of the remaining marinara-beef mixture in the baking dish, followed by the ziti mixture, then more marinara-beef sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil for last 10 minutes to achieve golden cheese.
7. Let cool slightly before serving; garnish with fresh herbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 70mg