Irresistible Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe Delight

Baked ziti with ground beef is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine layers of pasta, rich marinara, and gooey cheese melting together in a bubbly masterpiece that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget about your worries and just dig in, fork ready.

This dish holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made it for my friends during a movie marathon night. The laughter, the cheesy goodness, and the “seconds, please” requests became an unforgettable memory. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, baked ziti with ground beef promises to bring everyone together around the table.

I once served this baked ziti at a potluck, and my friends declared me the “Pasta Master” for weeks.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ziti Pasta: Choose medium-sized ziti for that perfect bite; it catches sauce beautifully.

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep it flavorful without too much grease.

• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for an extra touch of love.

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

• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives a delightful stretch; sprinkle generously on top for that golden finish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a nutty depth; don’t skip this step!

• Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil brings brightness; always choose fresh over dried when possible.

• Garlic Powder: For added flavor without the fuss; use generously to enhance the meat sauce.

• Onion Powder: A dash of onion powder complements the beef beautifully.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.

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

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your baked ziti cooks evenly and becomes perfectly bubbly.

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook ziti until al dente. Drain well but do not rinse; you want some starch to help sauce cling.

Sauté the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat but leave some for flavor.

Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until fragrant.

Create Your Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the parmesan and fresh basil—mix until well blended for creaminess.

Layer Everything Together: In a baking dish, start layering: half of the meat sauce followed by half of the cooked pasta. Spread half of your cheese mixture next. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up.

Add Final Touches**: Top generously with shredded mozzarella and remaining parmesan before placing in the oven. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serve hot straight from the oven and watch as everyone digs in eagerly! Enjoy every cheesy bite of this comforting classic!

You Must Know

• Baked ziti with ground beef is a comforting classic that’s perfect for family dinners
• This dish layers pasta, sauce, and cheese for a hearty meal that pleases everyone
• Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet; then cook the pasta while preparing the rich tomato sauce. This saves time and enhances flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Experimenting with spices can elevate your baked ziti’s flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring gooey cheese perfection.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• For perfect baked ziti, boil pasta only until al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven
• Letting the dish rest after baking helps flavors meld beautifully
• Use high-quality cheese for a richer taste that makes a difference!

Sometimes I still remember the first time I made baked ziti with ground beef; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and I felt like a kitchen superstar!

FAQ

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

Absolutely! Assemble everything and refrigerate before baking; just add extra baking time.

What kind of cheese should I use?

Use mozzarella for stretchiness and ricotta for creaminess; both blend beautifully.

Can I freeze leftover baked ziti with ground beef?

Yes, freeze it in portions for up to three months; just thaw before reheating!

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

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Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of baked ziti with ground beef, where layers of perfectly cooked ziti, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese create a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With every bite, you’ll experience rich flavors and cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan and fresh basil.
6. In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the cooked pasta and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg