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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, cook ziti until al dente (8-10 minutes), drain, and set aside.
- 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.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti with half of the marinara-beef mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella.
- 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.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil for last 10 minutes to achieve golden cheese.
- 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