Irresistible Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe Delight

There’s something magical about the bubbling, cheesy goodness of baked ziti with ground beef. Picture a steaming, golden dish fresh from the oven, with layers of pasta hugging seasoned meat and rich tomato sauce. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your taste buds as you anticipate the first bite.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in casserole form. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, baked ziti brings people together around the table, creating memories that linger long after the plates are empty.

Every time I whip up this dish, my family’s eyes light up like it’s Christmas morning—especially when they catch a whiff of that savory aroma.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ziti Pasta: Use rigatoni if you can’t find ziti; both hold sauce beautifully.

• Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or make homemade for a personal touch.

• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy layer adds richness and balances out the meatiness.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use whole-milk mozzarella for extra creaminess and stretch.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds depth and a salty kick; avoid the pre-grated stuff if possible.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs elevates the flavor profile; feel free to add more garlic or basil.

• Fresh Basil (optional): Chopped fresh basil brightens up the dish with a pop of freshness.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cook the Ziti : Boil water in a large pot and add salt before adding ziti. Cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Meat : In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes—breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Add Sauce and Seasoning : Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the browned meat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes while you mix cheeses.

Layer It Up : In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, half of mozzarella, and half of Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.

Assemble Your Masterpiece : In your greased baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the ziti mixture on top followed by another layer of meat sauce and then remaining ziti. Finish off with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool slightly before serving so you won’t burn your tongue—trust me!

Now you’ve got yourself an incredible baked ziti with ground beef that looks as great as it tastes! Enjoy every cheesy bite while sharing stories around your dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect baked ziti with ground beef, brown the beef first, then cook the pasta while preparing your sauce. Layer everything in a baking dish for optimal flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Adding spinach or mushrooms can give an extra veggie boost while maintaining that cheesy goodness.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

Sometimes cooking feels like a Broadway show, but this baked ziti recipe has been my reliable understudy, stealing the spotlight at every family gathering.

FAQ

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

Absolutely! Assemble it and refrigerate overnight before baking; just add some extra baking time.

What’s the best way to freeze baked ziti?

Cool it completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing for up to three months.

How can I make baked ziti vegetarian?

Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or use lentils for a hearty texture.

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

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• Author: Tiffani Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Baked ziti with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese in one delicious dish. Perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to prepare and customizable to your taste. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil salted water and cook the ziti until al dente (7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan.
6. Layer half of the meat sauce in the baking dish, then add half the ziti mixture. Repeat layers and top with remaining cheeses.
7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (225g)
• Calories: 435
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg