There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef wafting through your home, making your stomach growl and your heart flutter. Picture this: a bubbling layer of cheese, a hearty meat sauce, and tender pasta all coming together in perfect harmony. It’s comfort food at its finest, ideal for cozy family dinners or a casual gathering with friends.
I can still recall the first time I made this dish. My friends came over for what was supposed to be a movie night, but my Baked Ziti turned into the star of the show. Everyone went back for seconds (and thirds), leaving me with an empty baking dish and plenty of laughter echoing in my kitchen. You’ll want to keep this recipe close because it’s perfect for potlucks, game days, or just when you need a little extra love on your dinner plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is an easy one-dish meal that brings everyone together around the table
- Its rich flavors and gooey cheese will have your taste buds dancing
- The vibrant layers make it visually appealing and perfect for gatherings
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients
I remember serving my Baked Ziti at a family reunion and hearing my cousin declare it “the best thing since sliced bread.” That’s high praise in our family
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ziti Pasta: Choose ziti for its ideal shape to hold onto that luscious sauce.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a balanced flavor without too much grease.
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara sauce adds depth, so don’t skimp here.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy ingredient creates a delightful contrast in texture.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for whole milk mozzarella for that stretchy, gooey finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan provides a savory kick that enhances every bite.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish aromatic flair minced is best
- Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs bring classic Italian flavors to life.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large pot and fill it with water add a generous pinch of salt before bringing it to a boil. This not only flavors the pasta but also prevents it from sticking.
Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Stir occasionally so those sneaky noodles don’t stick together Drain the pasta well but reserve about half a cup of cooking water this magic potion can help loosen up your sauce later.
Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and toss in the ground beef along with minced garlic. Cook until browned, breaking up any clumps as you go until you see no pink left. Enjoy that sizzle it’s music to your ears
Mix It Up
Add marinara sauce to the cooked beef along with oregano and basil. Stir everything together until well combined let it simmer for about five minutes so those flavors can really mingle. If it’s too thick, remember that reserved pasta water? Add a little splash
Assemble the Layers
In a generously greased baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom layer. Next, layer half of the cooked ziti followed by dollops of ricotta cheese. Top with half of mozzarella cheese before repeating these layers again sauce, ziti, ricotta, mozzarella until you’ve used everything up.
Bake It Off
Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan on top for that golden touch Cover with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now
When time’s up, let it cool slightly before digging in that cheese needs to set just enough so you can cut nice squares without disaster
Enjoy every cheesy bite of this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef it’s pure comfort food bliss
You Must Know
- Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is comfort food at its best
- The combination of cheesy goodness with savory meat creates a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly
- Perfect for family gatherings or an easy weeknight dinner, it never disappoints
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot, then cook your pasta while preparing the sauce. This method saves time and ensures everything is ready to combine for a delicious baked dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Personalize your baked ziti by experimenting with different cheeses, making this dish uniquely yours.
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 bubbly, ensuring it retains its cheesy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- A well-seasoned meat sauce makes all the difference don’t skimp on spices
- Allowing your ziti to rest after baking will help set it up nicely
- Always use high-quality cheese for that perfect melt and flavor
Sharing my first experience cooking Baked Ziti with Ground Beef reminds me how my friends devoured every last bite, begging for seconds. Their smiles were worth every moment spent in the kitchen.
FAQ
What type of cheese is best for baked ziti?
A blend of mozzarella and ricotta provides great flavor and creaminess.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely Assemble it a day before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
How do I prevent my ziti from drying out?
Cover it with foil during baking to retain moisture and enhance cheesiness.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender ziti pasta, a rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this one-dish meal is not only delicious but also customizable to fit your taste. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or enjoying it on a cozy weeknight, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot; cook ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with minced garlic until no pink remains.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, and basil; simmer for 5 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the ziti, dollops of ricotta, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top with Parmesan cheese; cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
