Irresistible Baked Ziti with Ground Beef – Comfort Food Delight

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a cozy, cheesy hug in a casserole dish. Imagine layers of pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella melting together, creating an aroma that beckons everyone to the table. Trust me, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance while your kitchen transforms into an aromatic wonderland.

This dish isn’t just about flavor it’s about memories. Picture this: a family gathering where laughter fills the air, children race around, and the oven works hard to deliver that bubbling ziti masterpiece. It’s the perfect comfort food for game nights or cozy dinners when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

I still remember the first time I made Baked Ziti with Ground Beef for my friends their eyes lit up like Christmas morning as they took their first bite.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ziti Pasta: Opt for medium ziti for ideal sauce coverage penne works too if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthy option without sacrificing flavor turkey can also work well.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for that personalized touch don’t skimp on flavor
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Buy whole-milk mozzarella for creaminess shred it yourself to elevate texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for an authentic taste that adds depth and richness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that aromatic base skip the jarred stuff if you can.
• Onion: A sweet onion works best here, adding sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs brings out all the classic Italian flavors feel free to add more if desired.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps sauté your veggies beautifully.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the onions and garlic finely. This step sets you up for success by ensuring everything is ready when you need it.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your ziti and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside but don’t rinse them let those starches cling

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm some olive oil. Add chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant about 3-4 minutes creating an irresistible aroma.

Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through around 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary before seasoning.

Add Sauce & Simmer: Stir in marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning. Let this simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes so those flavors can mingle beautifully.

Assemble the Ziti: In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta followed by half of the meat sauce mixture. Sprinkle half of both cheeses over this layer before repeating with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.

Bake & Enjoy: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (to avoid excessive browning) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top

Prepare yourself for some serious culinary applause when you bring this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef to the table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef and onions together, then cook your pasta while the sauce simmers. Layer everything together in a baking dish, and don’t forget to top it with cheese for that melty goodness

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat if you’re feeling adventurous

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.

Creating my first Baked Ziti with Ground Beef felt like hosting a dinner party for my taste buds The smiles around the table made every effort worth it.

FAQ

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Absolutely Ground turkey or chicken works well without sacrificing flavor.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap out the meat for roasted vegetables or lentils for a delicious veggie version.

What cheese is best for baked ziti?

A blend of mozzarella and ricotta creates that perfect creamy texture everyone loves.

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

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• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of ziti pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese baked to perfection. This classic Italian-American dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, bringing warmth and nostalgia to your table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, Baked Ziti is sure to impress everyone in your home.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes), drain without rinsing.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft (3-4 minutes).
4. Add ground beef; cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a baking dish, layer half the ziti, followed by half the meat sauce and half of both cheeses. Repeat layers.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg