Comforting Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something about baked ziti with ground beef that makes it feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine twirling your fork into a cheesy, saucy masterpiece, where every bite delivers a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing you with promises of comfort and satisfaction, making it hard to resist diving right in.

Now, let me take you back to my first attempt at making this dish. Picture me, a slightly frazzled home cook armed with a spatula and a dream. I was trying to impress my friends for game night, and boy, did I underestimate the power of this classic Italian-American dish. But as my friends dug into the gooey layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and ground beef bubbling away in cheese, all was forgiven. It became an instant favorite, one I still whip up for those cozy nights in or when entertaining guests.

Ingredients for baked ziti with ground beef

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

• Ziti Pasta: Use about 1 pound of ziti; it’s the perfect shape for holding onto all that cheesy goodness.
• Ground Beef: About 1 pound will do; choose lean beef for less grease but still tons of flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: A jar or homemade version works—aim for about 24 ounces for great coverage.
• Ricotta Cheese: Use around 15 ounces; it adds creaminess and richness to each layer.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: About 2 cups; this gooey topper is what dreams are made of.
• Parmesan Cheese: A half cup will add that nutty flavor—grate it fresh if possible!
• Italian Seasoning: Use about two teaspoons; this blend will elevate the flavor profile wonderfully.

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

How to Make baked ziti with ground beef

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While you’re waiting, grab your baking dish—around a 9×13 inch size should be perfect—and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions—about eight minutes usually does the trick.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks until it’s browned and no longer pink—about five to seven minutes should do it.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat and stir in your marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning. Let that simmer on low heat while you mix together ricotta cheese and half of your mozzarella in another bowl.

Step 5: Layer It Up

Time for the fun part! In your prepared baking dish, start by spreading half of your pasta at the bottom. Then layer half of your ricotta mixture on top followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers until everything is used up!

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese generously over the top layer. This cheesy goodness will melt beautifully while baking.

Finally, transfer your creation into the preheated oven and let it bake for about twenty-five minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serve hot straight from the oven! You’ll want some crusty garlic bread on standby because trust me—you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!). Enjoy every cheesy bite of this comforting baked ziti with ground beef!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot while your pasta cooks. This multitasking approach saves time and ensures your meat is flavorful. Once the beef is browned, add your sauce and let it simmer while you drain and combine the pasta with cheese.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize baked ziti with ground beef by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Swap out mozzarella for provolone or throw in some ricotta for creaminess. You can even spice things up with red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover baked ziti with ground beef, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.

I still remember the first time I made baked ziti with ground beef for my friends’ potluck. The look on their faces when they took a bite was priceless—pure joy! It’s moments like these that remind me why I adore cooking.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for baked ziti with ground beef?

To prepare baked ziti with ground beef, you’ll need ziti pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. These ingredients combine to create a deliciously hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Make sure to choose high-quality cheeses for the best flavor outcome.

How long does it take to bake ziti with ground beef?

Baked ziti with ground beef typically takes about 30-40 minutes in the oven at 375°F (190°C). This includes both the baking time and any pre-cooking of the meat and pasta. It’s essential to check that the cheese is bubbly and golden before removing it from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.

Can I make baked ziti with ground beef ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily prepare baked ziti with ground beef ahead of time. Assemble the dish as instructed and cover it tightly before refrigerating. You can also freeze it for later use. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s frozen. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

What can I serve with baked ziti?

Baked ziti with ground beef pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables adds color and nutrients, making your dinner more balanced. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving it alongside a light soup like minestrone for a cozy dining experience that complements the richness of the baked ziti.

Planning your weekly menu? Browse these dinner recipe ideas for more delicious inspiration.

Conclusion for baked ziti with ground beef

Baked ziti with ground beef is a comforting dish that brings together pasta, savory meat, and melted cheese in one delightful package. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, it’s perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated later, this meal never fails to satisfy appetites and warm hearts.

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Indulge in layers of ziti pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy cheeses, creating a heartwarming dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound ziti pasta

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

For the Pasta:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. 2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

For the Meat Sauce:

1. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. 4. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the browned beef. Simmer on low heat while preparing the cheese mixture.

For the Cheese Mixture:

1. 5. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese (1 cup). Mix well.
2. Layering:
3. 6. In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti on the bottom. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
4. 7. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese generously over the top layer.
5. Baking:
6. 8. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. 9. Allow to cool slightly before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of dish (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg