Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Indulge in the heartwarming delight of baked ziti with ground beef, a dish layered with al dente penne pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, promising an explosion of flavors in every bite. With its cheesy top and savory filling, this baked ziti will become an instant favorite that warms both the stomach and the soul.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the beef mixture; let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt and pepper until smooth. Combine cooked pasta with meat sauce and fold in half of the mozzarella.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish followed by dollops of ricotta mixture and half of the remaining mozzarella. Repeat layers until combined.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg