Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

This baked ziti has become our family’s go-to comfort food whenever we need something filling cheesy and packed with flavor It brings together layers of pasta hearty ground beef tomato sauce creamy ricotta and bubbling mozzarella for a weeknight meal that always makes a crowd happy The recipe is simple enough for a busy schedule but special enough to serve when you really want to treat your loved ones

I first made this when I needed a warm meal to cheer up the family on a chilly night and now it’s a regular request especially when my kids want something filling and full of flavor

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: holds sauce well with its tube shape for perfect texture
• Ground beef: adds a rich meaty base choose lean or regular depending on preference
• Marinara sauce: the tomato backbone with savory herbs opt for a quality jar or homemade if you have time
• Ricotta cheese: creamy and mild gives the dish a luscious melt and light tang
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for that gooey cheese layer
• Parmesan cheese: adds a bright salty finish to lift flavors
• Onion: builds a sweet aromatic base when sautéed
• Garlic: essential for depth and aroma fresh cloves are best
• Olive oil: used to soften the aromatics and brown the beef
• Dried basil and oregano: optional but add classic Italian seasoning notes
• Salt and pepper: season to taste for perfect balance
• Fresh parsley: optional garnish for a fresh burst of color and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius so it’s ready when you finish assembling the dish

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti following package instructions until just al dente meaning tender but still firm to the bite Drain well and set aside so it doesn’t overcook

Cook the Ground Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Then add chopped onion and cook for three to four minutes until soft and translucent This base is important for layering flavors Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant Add the ground beef breaking it apart with a spoon Cook until browned and no longer pink Drain excess fat if there is any to keep the dish from becoming greasy

Make the Sauce:

Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle dried basil and oregano if you use them Season with salt and pepper to your taste Let everything gently simmer for about five minutes to let the flavors meld wonderfully

Prepare Ricotta Mixture:

In a bowl combine ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese which is a quarter cup This blend will add richness and help bind the layers

Assemble the Baked Ziti:

Lightly grease a baking dish about nine by thirteen inches Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom to prevent sticking Add half of the cooked pasta Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture evenly across the pasta Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over it Layer half of the remaining meat sauce over everything Then repeat the layers starting with the leftover pasta ricotta and mozzarella Top with the final meat sauce and finish sprinkling with the remaining Parmesan cheese This layering is key to getting even flavor and cheese distribution

Bake:

Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist Bake for twenty minutes Remove the foil and continue baking for another ten to fifteen minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling and just starting to brown

Serve:

Let the baked ziti rest for five minutes before serving to allow it to set Making the dish easier to serve Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color

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Ricotta is my favorite ingredient here because it lends a silky richness that perfectly balances the tangy tomato sauce and beef The first time I made this my whole family gathered around the table warm from the oven and instantly wanted seconds which told me I had a winner

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days For best texture reheat covered either in the microwave or oven If you want to freeze it wrap the dish tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating This makes it easy to meal prep and enjoy any night of the week

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be swapped in for the beef to vary flavor or lighten things up Cottage cheese replaces ricotta for a lower fat option You can use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti and fresh herbs can be substituted for dried but use less since they are stronger in flavor

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon is my favorite way to balance the richness Garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up extra sauce If you want a light finish serve fresh fruit or sorbet for dessert to round out the meal

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Cultural Context

Baked ziti is a classic in Italian-American households often featured at family gatherings and celebrations It shares roots with Sicilian pasta al forno known for its baked layers of pasta cheese and sauce This dish is loved because it delivers hearty comfort without the fussiness of traditional lasagna

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Penne or rigatoni are great alternatives and hold sauce well. Avoid flat pastas, as tubular shapes trap the cheese and sauce best.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat covered to keep the texture creamy.

→ Can I freeze it?

Yes, assemble the dish and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual for fresh results.

→ What cheese can replace ricotta?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone works as substitutes but expect slight changes in texture and flavor richness.

→ How can I enhance the flavors?

Try adding Italian sausage, spinach, or mushrooms for extra depth and complexity in the sauce.

→ Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?

Cook pasta until just al dente. It continues to soften while baking, absorbing sauce flavors without becoming mushy.