Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is like a warm hug in a casserole dish. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese all snuggled together in one hearty meal. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone flocking to the dining table faster than you can say “dinner’s ready.”
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; they were practically drooling before I even served it. As the cheese bubbled and turned golden brown, I could feel the anticipation building. Baked Ziti is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends—everyone loves it, and you can whip it up without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can make this dish even on busy weeknights
- The flavor profile combines hearty meatiness with creamy cheese that will satisfy any craving
- Visually appealing with its bubbling cheese and vibrant sauce, it’s a showstopper on any dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for leftovers or customizing with your favorite veggies!
When I served my baked ziti for the first time, my friends’ reactions were priceless. They devoured every last bite and declared me a culinary genius.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ziti Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or regular ziti; both work great for that perfect al dente bite.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef to balance flavor with healthiness; it adds richness to the sauce.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous; it brings everything together.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully; don’t skimp on the cheese for that gooey goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor and that sought-after cheesy crust.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs gives depth to the sauce; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic punch; use more if you’re a garlic lover!
Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for optimal flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all flavors—don’t forget to season at each step for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking when you finally bake that delicious ziti.
Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you whip up the sauce—no one likes mushy pasta!
Sauté Aromatics : In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes, then stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
Add Ground Beef and Sauce: Toss in ground beef into the skillet, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, mix in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning for delightful flavor.
Combine Everything Together : Gently fold cooked ziti into the meat sauce mixture until well coated. You want every noodle embraced by that savory goodness.
Layer It Up : In a baking dish, start with half of your ziti mixture as the base layer. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese before adding another layer of ziti followed by remaining cheese on top.
Bake Until Golden Brown : Pop your assembled masterpiece into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top—a sight to behold!
Now serve it hot from the oven! Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy—your baked ziti is now ready to wow everyone at the table!
Enjoy this comforting Baked Ziti with Ground Beef as you relish every cheesy bite while sharing laughter around your dinner table!
You Must Know
- This recipe for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef combines rich flavors and gooey cheese for a comforting meal
- The aroma fills the house, making everyone eagerly anticipate dinner
- Perfect for gatherings, it’s easy to make ahead, ensuring less stress and more enjoyment at mealtime
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet while boiling the pasta. Once cooked, mix everything together with sauce and cheese before baking for that ultimate cheesy goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Experimenting with different cheeses can also enhance depth of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, maintaining that perfect cheesy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve an even creamier baked ziti, consider adding ricotta cheese mixed with herbs
- Ensure your pasta is al dente to prevent mushiness during baking
- Letting it rest before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing every bite
Sharing my first experience making Baked Ziti was unforgettable; my friends devoured it in minutes and begged for seconds, turning me into their unofficial chef!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta for baked ziti?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work perfectly as alternatives to traditional ziti.
How do I know when the baked ziti is done?
The ziti should be bubbly and golden on top; let it rest before serving.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it beforehand and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a delightful combination of al dente pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, easy to prepare, and sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich flavors and gooey texture, each bite is a warm embrace that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
- 8 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add minced garlic.
- Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Fold cooked ziti into the meat sauce mixture until well combined.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, top with half of the mozzarella cheese, then repeat.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
