When you think of comfort food, baked ziti with ground beef is like a warm hug from your kitchen. Picture this: a bubbling dish of pasta smothered in rich marinara sauce, layered with gooey cheese and savory beef. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds and promising a delightful flavor experience that’s simply irresistible.
I remember the first time I made baked ziti for my family. It was a chilly evening, and everyone was coming home tired and hungry. As the dish came out of the oven, I could see their eyes light up; it’s moments like these that remind me why cooking is such a joy. Baked ziti with ground beef is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This baked ziti with ground beef is simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- The layers of flavors create an irresistible dish that everyone loves
- It’s visually appealing, with melted cheese bubbling over perfectly cooked pasta
- You can customize it by adding veggies or swapping in different cheeses based on your preferences
I still chuckle when I recall how my little nephew declared this dish “the best pasta ever,” before promptly requesting seconds and even thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ziti Pasta: Choose short tubes of pasta that hold onto the sauce beautifully.
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Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for less grease while still packing in flavor.
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Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for an extra special touch.
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Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds a rich texture; consider mixing in some herbs for added flavor.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that gooey, melty finish we all adore.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan on top gives a lovely golden crust and an extra flavor punch.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for seasoning; it enhances the overall flavor profile wonderfully.
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Italian Seasoning: This blend typically includes herbs like oregano and basil for an authentic Italian taste.
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Olive Oil: Just a splash helps sauté the meat and brings everything together beautifully.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every flavor in your baked ziti.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking later.
Cook the Ziti Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse—keep that starch!
Sauté Ground Beef with Seasonings: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Add Marinara Sauce to Meat Mixture: Pour in marinara sauce once the meat is cooked through. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all those flavors can mingle beautifully.
Layer Your Ingredients in Baking Dish: Start by spreading half of the meat sauce at the bottom of your greased baking dish. Top with half of the cooked ziti followed by dollops of ricotta cheese.
Add Cheese Heaven on Top!: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over everything before layering on more meat sauce, remaining ziti, and topping off with more mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake Until Golden Brown & Bubbly: Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let your baked ziti cool slightly before serving so you don’t burn your tongue—trust me!
Serve your hearty baked ziti with garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out this comforting meal perfectly! Enjoy every cheesy bite knowing you’ve created something truly special that will have everyone asking for seconds…or thirds!
You Must Know
- This baked ziti with ground beef is a crowd-pleaser, combining cheesy goodness with hearty flavors
- The aroma of baking cheese will have everyone rushing to the table
- Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at dinner parties
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. While that cooks, boil your pasta until al dente and prepare the sauce. Assemble it all in a baking dish and top with cheese before baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or add sautéed veggies for extra flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can kick up the heat, while fresh herbs add brightness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, season your ground beef well as it cooks
- Use high-quality cheese for that perfect melty texture
- Don’t skip letting your dish rest before serving; it helps with layering flavors!
I remember making this baked ziti during my cousin’s wedding rehearsal dinner. Everyone devoured it and asked for seconds—definitely a hit!
FAQ
Can I make baked ziti with ground beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it beforehand and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What type of cheese is best for baked ziti?
Mozzarella is classic, but ricotta adds creaminess and depth.
How do I prevent my baked ziti from being dry?
Ensure you use enough sauce and check your baking time closely to avoid dryness.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Baked ziti with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food, enveloping pasta in a rich marinara sauce and layers of melted cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, combining savory flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Easy to prepare, this baked ziti promises delightful moments around the dinner table as everyone digs in for seconds—or even thirds!
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned (5-7 minutes). Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Layer half of the meat sauce in the baking dish, followed by half of the cooked ziti and dollops of ricotta. Top with half of the mozzarella.
- Repeat layering with remaining ingredients: meat sauce, ziti, mozzarella, and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
