Description
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting, cheesy delight that brings the warmth of an Italian family dinner to your table. This dish features al dente ziti pasta enveloped in a rich meat sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this baked ziti will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ziti: Boil salted water and cook ziti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the meat sauce: In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce; let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and some Parmesan until creamy.
- Assemble: In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the ziti, then dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg