Description

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ziti pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, delivering satisfaction with every bite. It’s easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, making it a must-try recipe that brings warmth and joy to your dining table.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz ziti pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
24 oz marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent (about 3 minutes).
Add ground beef and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, and pepper.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil.
Combine cooked ziti with the meat sauce in a large bowl until well coated.
Layer half of the ziti mixture in the baking dish. Spread dollops of the ricotta mixture on top before adding another layer of ziti.
Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
Calories: 460
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in spinach or swapping ricotta for cottage cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days; reheat at 350°F for the best taste.