Irresistible Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe Delight

The aroma of baked ziti with ground beef wafts through the air, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Creamy cheese mingles with savory sauce and tender pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that makes your mouth water.

Picture this: you’re hosting a cozy gathering, and as you pull the bubbling dish from the oven, your friends and family can’t help but drool. This dish is perfect for those chilly nights when comfort food is a must.

I still remember the first time I made baked ziti; my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a chance to enjoy my own serving!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ziti Pasta: Choose sturdy pasta like ziti that holds up well against the sauce.

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a flavorful yet less greasy result.

• Marinara Sauce: Opt for a quality jarred sauce or homemade for best flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that gooey cheese pull we all love.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty depth to the dish.

• Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of oregano and basil enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic and Onion: Sautéed together, they provide a fragrant base for the sauce.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil keeps everything moist and adds richness.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors together.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray. This step ensures nothing sticks when it’s time to serve.

Sautéing Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant—about three minutes should do it.

Browning the Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned completely, about five to seven minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Sauce & Spices: Stir in marinara sauce along with dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about ten minutes until heated through; let those flavors meld!

Cook Ziti Pasta: While your meat sauce simmers, boil salted water in another pot. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente—usually around eight minutes—and then drain.

Assemble Your Dish: In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti with meat sauce, mixing well. Layer half of this mixture into your greased baking dish, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese before repeating layers.

Bake it Until Golden: Cover with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Let it rest for about five minutes before serving—this helps everything set up nicely without falling apart on your plate! Enjoy every cheesy bite of baked ziti with ground beef as you relish in its comforting warmth!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef while boiling the pasta; multitasking will save you time and enhance flavor.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping ground beef for turkey or adding spinach for a veggie boost; customizing elevates this dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Sharing baked ziti with friends always brings smiles; one friend declared it “the ultimate hug in a dish.”

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat in my baked ziti with ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, sausage, or even lentils work great as alternatives.

How long should I bake my baked ziti with ground beef?

Bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

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

Yes! Assemble it beforehand and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. This cheesy, savory recipe combines tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly browned ground beef, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to customize based on your pantry staples.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned (5-7 minutes), draining excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in marinara sauce along with herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
6. Combine cooked ziti with meat sauce in a large bowl. Layer half into the baking dish, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg