Irresistible Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe Delight

There’s something magical about a bubbling dish of baked ziti with ground beef. The aroma dances through the air, teasing your senses and making your stomach growl with anticipation. Imagine layers of creamy ricotta, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella all blending together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of meal that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening, inviting you to dig in.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s nostalgia served in a casserole dish. I remember my grandma pulling one out of the oven, its cheesy top golden brown and inviting, as we gathered around the table for family dinner. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, baked ziti brings everyone together—an occasion no one wants to miss.

I once made this dish for a group of friends, and let’s just say their faces went from hungry to ecstatic in seconds!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta Ziti: Choose medium-sized ziti pasta for the best texture; it holds sauce beautifully.

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for flavor without excess grease; get ready for some serious meaty goodness.

• Ricotta Cheese: Look for whole milk ricotta for creaminess that elevates your baked ziti to new heights.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts beautifully and adds that gorgeous stretch.

• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous; both will work wonders.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs enhances the flavor profile—think oregano, basil, and thyme.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only brightens the flavor but also adds a pop of color to your dish.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt and then toss in your ziti pasta. Cook until al dente based on package instructions—don’t forget to reserve some pasta water!

Sauté the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed; the smell will be irresistible by now!

Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in marinara sauce over the cooked beef. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and let it simmer gently while stirring occasionally; allow those flavors to mingle beautifully.

Mix Ricotta & Pasta: In a large bowl, combine drained ziti with ricotta cheese. Mix well until pasta is fully coated—this step adds creaminess galore!

Layer It Up!: In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture followed by half of the meat sauce. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese before repeating the process—cheesy dreams are coming true.

Bake Away!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Cooking baked ziti with ground beef is as enjoyable as eating it! Gather those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into comfort food heaven together!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef first, then cook your ziti while preparing the rich tomato sauce. This sequence ensures everything is ready simultaneously and maximizes flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. Experimenting with spices can also enhance flavors in exciting ways.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for the best texture.

Sharing my first experience making Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is priceless; my family devoured it, offering compliments that warmed my heart and ignited my passion for cooking.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work great if you want a different shape.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap ground beef with lentils or mushrooms, and use veggie-based sauce for a hearty option.

Can this dish be frozen?

Yes, baked ziti freezes well! Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped before freezing to maintain freshness.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting classic that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table. Packed with layers of creamy ricotta, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings. Its rich flavors and delightful aroma will have everyone eagerly anticipating their first bite. Easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, baked ziti is a dish that invites conversation and connection over shared plates.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine drained ziti with ricotta until well coated.
5. Layer half the pasta mixture in a baking dish, top with half the meat sauce and mozzarella; repeat layers.
6. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 70mg