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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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