Irresistible Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe Delight

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food—ooey-gooey cheese, hearty meat, and tender pasta all melded together in a symphony of flavors. As you pull this dish from the oven, the aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a warm embrace for your taste buds.

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I can still remember the first time I made Baked Ziti with Ground Beef for my family. The delight on their faces as they dug into the bubbling dish was worth every minute spent in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends where everyone leaves feeling full and happy.

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this baked ziti turned out after our potluck dinner last summer.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ziti Pasta: Opt for whole grain or regular ziti, as both hold up well during baking.

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep it flavorful without being too greasy.

• Marinara Sauce: A jar of your favorite store-bought sauce works great—choose one that excites your taste buds.

• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness; look for whole milk ricotta for the best flavor.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Choose fresh mozzarella for a gooey melt; it’s worth splurging on!

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty kick; freshly grated enhances flavor dramatically.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have spice to boost flavor without chopping garlic cloves.

• Dried Oregano: Adds an aromatic touch that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to sauté and add depth of flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skip these staples!

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). While it warms up, grab a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente according to package instructions—about 8-10 minutes should do the trick.

In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and add ground beef. Sauté until browned and cooked through—it should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in marinara sauce along with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes so all those flavors can mingle.

In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti with half of the marinara mixture. Add dollops of ricotta cheese throughout—the creaminess will be heaven when baked! Mix gently until everything is coated nicely.

In a baking dish, start layering: half of your ziti mixture at the bottom followed by half of the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle half of shredded mozzarella over everything like you’re creating cheesy snowflakes! Repeat with remaining ziti and marinara sauce before topping it all off with the rest of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil—no peeking! Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!

Let your baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this allows everything to set just right so you won’t end up with a cheesy mess when you slice into it.

And there you have it! This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is bound to become a favorite in your household just as it did in mine!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef, then cook the pasta while preparing your sauce for efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed throughout.

Cooking this dish always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and great food shared the spotlight. Those moments make cooking feel special.

FAQ

Can I use different types of cheese in Baked Ziti with Ground Beef?

Absolutely! Try mozzarella, ricotta, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for added flavor.

How long does Baked Ziti with Ground Beef last in the fridge?

It lasts up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Baked Ziti with Ground Beef?

Yes! Freeze it before baking for later use or after it’s cooled down completely.

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the quintessential comfort food that combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a medley of cheeses. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite. With easy preparation and the ability to customize, it’s destined to become a weeknight favorite. Enjoy layers of gooey cheese and savory beef baked to perfection, creating a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil salted water and cook ziti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; brown ground beef (5-7 minutes). Drain fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with half of the marinara mixture and dollops of ricotta cheese.
6. In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, half of the remaining marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil.
8. Bake for 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: To enhance flavor variations, consider swapping ground beef for turkey or adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. For perfect texture, ensure pasta is al dente before baking.