Irresistible Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe Delight

The rich, cheesy layers of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef waft through the air, inviting you to dive in. Picture a bubbling casserole topped with melted mozzarella and sprinkled with fresh basil, promising comfort in every bite.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory maker. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, Baked Ziti brings everyone together, creating moments that linger long after the last forkful is gone.

Sharing this dish at my cousin’s wedding led to raving reviews from family members who cleaned their plates within minutes.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ziti Pasta: Choose medium-sized ziti for the best sauce adherence. Cook until al dente for perfect texture.

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a flavorful base while keeping the dish light.

• Marinara Sauce: Opt for a quality marinara for rich flavor; homemade sauce can elevate your dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: Look for creamy ricotta for added richness and moisture in every layer.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that’s hard to resist—don’t skip this!

• Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil brightens up the dish and enhances its aromatic appeal.

• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder intensifies the savoriness without overpowering other flavors.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances richness and depth in your overall flavor profile.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors; adjust according to taste preferences.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot when you’re ready for baking.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente as per package instructions—about 8-10 minutes will do.

Sauté the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, brown ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over cooked beef in the skillet. Stir well until everything is evenly coated before letting it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Create Layers: In a baking dish, start layering: half of the cooked ziti at the bottom, followed by half of the meat mixture, dollops of ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella—repeat this process!

Bake Your Masterpiece: Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Once you pull that cheesy wonder out of the oven, let it sit for five minutes before serving. This allows those glorious layers to settle just right!

There you have it—a hearty Baked Ziti with Ground Beef that will charm your friends and family while filling bellies! Enjoy every gooey bite while sharing stories around your table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while cooking the pasta. Brown the ground beef and mix it with sauce before layering everything together. This method ensures even cooking and maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in turkey or chicken for a leaner version of baked ziti. You can also mix in veggies like spinach or mushrooms to add color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, ensuring that cheese stays melty.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of my cousin’s wedding last summer, where my baked ziti was a hit! Everyone kept asking for seconds, proving that comfort food brings people together.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta for baked ziti?

Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work great if you want variety.

How can I make baked ziti vegetarian?

Simply replace ground beef with lentils or your favorite vegetables for a hearty option.

Can I freeze baked ziti for later?

Yes! Freeze it before baking, then just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich layers of ziti pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese topped with fresh basil. This family-favorite casserole is perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners, creating delightful memories with every bite. Easy to prepare and customize, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 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 (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
4. Stir marinara sauce into the beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the beef mixture, dollops of ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg