What are some comfort food recipes? I love Baked Ziti with Ground Beef. Is it like lasagna’s more laid-back cousin? Is it the thing my family requests most often? I remember my grandma making a huge pan of this every year for our family reunions – it was always delicious! The first dish to disappear. I love this recipe and I’m excited to share it with you. It brings back so many amazing memories. Is there a version of you
What is baked ziti with ground beef?
Think of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef as a celebration of pasta and hearty flavors. What is essentially a baked casserole where ziti noodles are tossed in tomato-based sauce, layered on top of each other. With seasoned ground beef, and then blanketed in cheese. I’m talking ricotta, mozzarella – the works! It gets baked until bubbly and golden brown. What is the best way to make lasagna without layers? Work can be intimidating. Is this a meal that you feel good about making?
Why do I love this recipe?
Oh goodness, where do I even begin? This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef isn’t just good; it’s *spectacular*. First off, the flavor is incredible. The combination of the savory ground beef, the sweet tomato sauce, and the creamy cheeses is just heavenly. But what I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make! Seriously, anyone can do it! No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Ground beef and pasta are both budget-friendly, making it a great option when you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to save some money. Plus, it’s so versatile. You can easily customize it with different veggies (mushrooms or bell peppers are delicious additions!), different cheeses, or even different types of ground meat. I’ve even made a vegetarian version with lentils and it was just as amazing. It’s one of those recipes that you can really make your own. If you’re looking for a similar recipe that’s just as comforting, you might like my skillet lasagna, but this one is truly king in my house.
How can I make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef?
Quick Overview
Making this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is easier than you think! Basically, you’ll cook the pasta, brown the ground beef with some aromatics, whip up a simple but flavorful tomato sauce, mix everything together with lots of cheese, and then bake it until it’s hot and bubbly. The advantage to this method is the simplicity – you don’t have to precook the sauce for hours or stress about complicated layering. It’s truly a no-fuss, weeknight-friendly dish.
Ingredients
For the Main Event:
* 1 pound ziti pasta – I prefer the ridged kind, it grabs the sauce better!
* 1 pound Ground Beef – 80/20 blend is perfect, gives great flavor without being too greasy.
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – adds a nice sweetness and depth.
Why is it better to mince 2 cloves of garlic?
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes – high-quality crushed tomato makes a huge difference.
* 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce – adds richness and body to the sauce.
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano – essential for that classic Italian flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil – complements oregano perfectly.
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – for a little kick (optional, but highly recommended!).
* Salt and black pepper to taste – don’t be shy with the seasoning!
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing.
What is the cheese layer?
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese – full-fat is best for maximum creaminess.
* 1 large egg – helps bind the ricotta and makes it extra smooth.
What is the best way to use Parmesan cheese?
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – the star of the show, for that melty, cheesy goodness.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use cooking spray for this, it makes cleanup so much easier. Make sure to get the corners really well!
Step 2: Cook the Ziti
Cook ziti pasta according to package directions, but slightly undercook it – about 1-2 minutes. If you have less than the recommended time, do not skip it. If you cook it in the oven, you want it al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do I keep garlic from burning?
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the ground beef sauce, ricotta cheese, egg, and salt. Set aside. What is Parmesan Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
How do I prepare a baking dish? Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Is it safe to bake cheese for 20-25 minutes? I always check after 15 minutes to make sure the cheese isn’t burning.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the Baked Ziti with Ground Beef rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set up a bit and makes it easier to cut.
What should I serve it with?
This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with roasted potatoes.What is a simple dinner?What is the best salad to serve with a light vinaigrette?For a Special Occasion:Garlic bread is always a crowd pleaser.What is a hearty meal?What are the benefits of roasting vegetables?My Family’s Favorite: My family loves it with a side of steamed green beans! It’s the one time they all eat their greens.
Really, the possibilities are endless. It’s also fantastic on its own for a quick and easy lunch the next day. Sometimes I just grab a fork and eat it straight from the fridge (don’t judge!).
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Over the years, I’ve made this recipe so many times, I’ve learned a few tricks to make it even better. Here are my top tips:
Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Soggy pasta is a big no-no.
Beefy Flavor: Use a good quality ground beef with a decent amount of fat (80/20 is ideal). The fat adds flavor and keeps the beef moist. Drain off any excess grease after browning.
Cheese Choice: Use full-fat ricotta cheese for the creamiest, richest flavor. Low-fat ricotta can be a bit grainy. Also, don’t skimp on the mozzarella! It’s what makes the top so bubbly and cheesy.
Sauce it Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce. Add a splash of red wine for extra depth, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Spice it Right: I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, but you can leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor.
Let it Rest: Let the Baked Ziti with Ground Beef rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set up a bit and makes it easier to cut.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is great for making ahead of time or for leftovers.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours. Cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Baked Ziti with Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Baked Ziti with Ground Beef. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the Baked Ziti with Ground Beef in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as evenly heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a dish, a comforting memory, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and totally customizable to your taste. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or a special gathering. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my equally comforting Chicken Alfredo Bake. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. If you give it a try, I’d love to see photos! Share your culinary creations on social media.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, salt, and pepper with the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti, ricotta, beef mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
