Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the quintessential comfort food, featuring layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a medley of melted cheeses enveloped in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish promises an explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its vibrant colors and customizable ingredients, it’s easy to make and even easier to love!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta with half the mozzarella and salt.
- Layer half of the pasta in a baking dish, followed by half the meat sauce and dollops of ricotta mixture. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until browned.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute ground beef with turkey or sausage. Feel free to incorporate vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.