The aroma of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug from your favorite aunt. Picture layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and bubbling cheese, all coming together to create a dish that feels like home.
As I reminisce about family gatherings where this delightful dish took center stage, I can’t help but chuckle at how my cousin always managed to sneak extra helpings when no one was looking. Baked Ziti is the culinary equivalent of comfort—perfect for those chilly evenings or when you want to impress guests without losing your sanity in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for special occasions
- Its rich flavors combine beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser
- The gooey cheese and hearty beef create a visually stunning dish that will make everyone drool
- Plus, it’s versatile; serve it as a main course or alongside a fresh salad
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends. Their delighted faces said it all as they devoured every last bite and asked for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ziti Pasta: Choose robust ziti that can hold up against the sauce and cheese without falling apart.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty without being overly greasy.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought marinara or homemade for that extra touch of love.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness and helps bind everything together beautifully.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Go for whole milk mozzarella for that melty, stretchy goodness we all crave.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan brings a nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds brightness and freshness to balance the richness.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil enhances flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic punch that makes everything taste better.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings are essential to enhance all the other flavors in your ziti.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in the ziti once the water reaches a rolling boil. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes; drain and set aside.
Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Then add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned; drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in your favorite marinara sauce into the skillet with browned beef. Stir well to combine, letting it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes; this helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Mix Ricotta and Seasonings: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. This mixture will add creaminess and flavor throughout your ziti.
Layer It Up: In a greased baking dish, start layering: half of the cooked ziti at the bottom, followed by half of the meat sauce mixture, dollops of ricotta mix, and half of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until finished.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while assembling your layers. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbling golden brown on top.
With each step, you are crafting an experience filled with mouthwatering aromas and delightful textures that will leave your loved ones asking for more. As you pull this comforting baked ziti out of the oven, let its cheesy goodness envelop you like your grandma’s hugs!
You Must Know
- Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comfort food classic that brings joy to any table
- This dish is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings
- Plus, the bubbling cheese creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet, then cook the pasta while preparing your sauce for efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking your pasta, undercook it slightly; it will finish cooking in the oven
- Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess and richness
- Allow leftovers to cool before storing them to maintain texture and flavor
The first time I made baked ziti, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and I felt like a culinary genius!
FAQ
How can I make my baked ziti with ground beef spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it beforehand and refrigerate until ready to bake; just add extra baking time.
What sides pair well with baked ziti?
Garlic bread and a fresh salad complement baked ziti beautifully, balancing its richness.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. This dish features layers of tender ziti pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this crowd-pleaser will have everyone asking for seconds. With simple ingredients and effortless preparation, you can create a delicious meal that feels like home.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Add ziti and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce with the browned beef and simmer on low for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, blend ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and chopped basil.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the meat sauce mixture, dollops of the ricotta mix, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
