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Bubbling hot baked ziti with ground beef in white ceramic baking dish topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This baked ziti with ground beef recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food in just 45 minutes. With tender pasta, rich marinara meat sauce, and three types of cheese, this hearty casserole satisfies cravings while saving time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ziti pasta (penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli as substitutes)
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 blend recommended)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion in olive oil for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Add ground beef, cook 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp for flavor.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5-7 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat sauce, ricotta, and 1 cup mozzarella.
  6. Grease 9×13 baking dish. Spread half the pasta mixture, sprinkle with half mozzarella and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta mixture, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes before baking to keep it al dente. Let the baked ziti rest before serving to allow it to set.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Pasta, Comfort Food
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: baked ziti, ground beef pasta, cheesy casserole, pasta bake, easy comfort food

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Find it online: https://liyarecipes.com/baked-ziti-with-ground-beef/