Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

Name: Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Ziti pasta; Ground beef; Marinara sauce; Ricotta cheese; Mozzarella cheese; Parmesan cheese; Italian seasoning

By Maria Del

March 8, 2025

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The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory ground beef wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Imagine digging into a plate of baked ziti with ground beef, where every forkful delivers layers of flavor and comfort. If you close your eyes and take a deep breath, you can almost hear the delighted oohs and aahs from your family as they gather around the table.

Baked ziti is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with nostalgia and warmth. I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends during a movie night. As soon as the oven timer dinged, they rushed into the kitchen like bees to honey, eagerly awaiting that first cheesy bite. The laughter and joy shared over that dinner cemented my love for this comforting classic.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This baked ziti with ground beef is incredibly easy to prepare and cooks in under an hour
Its rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
The visual appeal of melted cheese bubbling on top will have everyone reaching for seconds
It’s versatile enough to customize based on your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences

I once had my cousin Steve accidentally spill half his plate onto his shirt while trying to get that last bite of gooey cheese. Let me tell you; he wore that stain proudly!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

Ziti Pasta: Use medium-sized ziti pasta for the best texture; it holds onto sauce beautifully.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease but plenty of flavor in every bite.
Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara sauce elevates this dish; consider homemade or store-bought.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; don’t skip it if you want that classic Italian feel.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for that stretchy cheesiness we all crave.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth; sprinkle generously on top before baking.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs enhances flavor; feel free to add fresh herbs if available.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare your taste buds because we’re diving into this cheesy adventure!

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot and cooking the ziti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside while you marvel at its perfect shape.

Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart as it cooks for even browning and flavor distribution.

Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in your marinara sauce and stir well; let it simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through and fragrant. The aroma should entice your neighbors!

Create the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy while singing your favorite Italian opera tune—trust me; it helps!

Assemble Your Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta followed by half of the meat sauce mixture, then add half of the cheese mixture on top.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Finish by layering remaining ingredients and covering with foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered; then uncover for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—don’t forget to keep an eye on it so you don’t burn those lovely edges.

Once it’s out of the oven and has cooled slightly (or not—who can resist?), serve up generous portions alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Enjoy making memories over each cheesy bite of baked ziti with ground beef!

You Must Know

This baked ziti with ground beef recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights
The aroma of bubbling cheese and simmering sauce fills your kitchen, making it irresistible
You can easily make it ahead of time, saving you precious minutes at dinner

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef to enhance its flavor. While that’s cooking, boil the pasta separately to al dente before mixing everything together for the best texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or add veggies like mushrooms or spinach. Experimenting with different cheeses can also elevate your baked ziti experience.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly balanced flavors, let your sauce simmer longer; this deepens the taste
Always bake uncovered for a crispy top layer
Adding fresh basil before serving brightens every bite!

Cooking this baked ziti with ground beef reminds me of family gatherings where laughter mingled with delicious aromas, creating unforgettable memories around the table.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat in baked ziti with ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives.

How do I prevent my baked ziti from becoming dry?

Make sure to mix enough sauce into your pasta and cover while baking initially to retain moisture.

What cheese works best for baked ziti with ground beef?

Mozzarella provides a great melt, while ricotta adds creaminess; combining both gives wonderful results!

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