Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Baked ziti with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. This hearty dish features layers of al dente pasta smothered in rich marinara, savory ground beef, and a blend of creamy cheeses that create a mouthwatering experience. With its enticing aroma and gooey texture, every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Gather your loved ones around the table and dive into this deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz medium ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot; cook the ziti pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in marinara sauce until well combined; season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt and pepper.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta followed by half of the meat sauce mixture.
- Dollop ricotta cheese evenly across the meat sauce layer; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg