Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe Delight

Baked ziti with ground beef is the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out. Picture this: a bubbling casserole filled with pasta, savory ground beef, and layers of gooey cheese, all wrapped in a rich tomato sauce that fills your kitchen with an aroma so good it could make even the most committed salad lover reconsider their life choices. This dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it creates moments—family gatherings around the dinner table, potlucks where you’re hailed as a culinary hero, or cozy nights on the couch binge-watching your favorite shows while diving into a cheesy slice of heaven.

I remember the first time I made baked ziti with ground beef. It was during one of those desperate “what’s for dinner?” moments when my pantry looked more like a barren wasteland than a well-stocked kitchen. I found half a box of ziti, some ground beef lurking in the freezer, and enough cheese to make any Italian grandmother proud. As I stirred the pot, each layer seemed to weave together memories of family dinners and laughter echoing through the halls. The best part? It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s Tuesday or Thanksgiving, baked ziti never disappoints.

Ingredients for baked ziti with ground beef

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

• Ziti Pasta: You can use regular or whole wheat ziti; both work beautifully in this recipe.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep things tasty without too much grease.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth to your sauce; chop it finely for even distribution.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate the flavor; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
• Tomato Sauce: A good quality tomato sauce serves as the base—look for one with no added sugars.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that gooey texture we all crave; buy fresh if possible!

For the Seasoning:

• Dried Oregano: This herb brings a little Italian flair to your dish; sprinkle generously!
• Dried Basil: Another essential Italian herb that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.

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

How to Make baked ziti with ground beef

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While you’re at it, grab a large baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray because nobody wants a cheese disaster to clean up later.

Step 2: Cook Your Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti until al dente—about eight minutes should do. Drain and set aside while you work on that heavenly meat mixture.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbly (about five minutes), then toss in minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Mix in Sauce and Seasonings

Pour in your tomato sauce along with dried oregano and basil. Stir everything together until well combined. Let this simmer on low heat for about ten minutes so those flavors can mingle like old friends at a reunion.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture

Add your cooked ziti pasta into the meat sauce mixture and stir until every piece is coated in that glorious red sauce.

Step 6: Layer It Up

In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella cheese on top before adding the remaining pasta mixture. Finish by topping it off with the rest of your mozzarella cheese (because why not?).

Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy each cheesy bite of this baked ziti with ground beef—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot. While that sizzles, boil your pasta until it’s al dente. Then mix everything together with your sauce and cheese before baking to perfection. This sequence keeps flavors vibrant and ensures every bite is delicious.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch things up! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some spicy sausage for an extra kick. Different cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta can also give your baked ziti a unique twist that will impress everyone at the table.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions for a quick fix without losing flavor.

Sometimes I whip up this baked ziti for family game night, and watching everyone dig in with smiles makes all the cooking worth it. The laughter around the table is just as delicious as the food!

FAQs

What is baked ziti with ground beef?

Baked ziti with ground beef is a hearty Italian-American dish that combines ziti pasta, seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese. The ingredients are layered and baked until bubbly and golden brown. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.

How long does it take to prepare baked ziti with ground beef?

Preparing baked ziti with ground beef typically takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking. In total, you can expect to spend around 45 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying without a lengthy cooking process.

Can I make baked ziti with ground beef ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare baked ziti with ground beef ahead of time! Assemble the dish as instructed, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked dish for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

What variations can I try for baked ziti with ground beef?

You can customize your baked ziti with ground beef by adding various vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. For a twist on flavors, consider using different types of cheese or adding Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also experiment with herbs and spices to elevate the dish further.

Planning your weekly menu? Browse these dinner recipe ideas for more delicious inspiration.

Conclusion for baked ziti with ground beef

Baked ziti with ground beef delivers a rich combination of flavors that satisfies the whole family. It’s easy to prepare and versatile enough for personal touches. By making it ahead of time or experimenting with variations, you’ll have a dish that fits any occasion. Enjoy this classic comfort food as part of your weekly meal rotation!

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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

This comforting baked ziti is layered with hearty ground beef, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz ziti pasta

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

For the Meat Sauce:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until browned (about 5 minutes), then stir in minced garlic for another minute.
3. 3. Add tomato sauce, oregano, and basil to the meat mixture. Stir well and let simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.

For the Pasta:

1. 4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente (about 8 minutes), then drain and set aside.
2. 5. Add the cooked ziti to the meat sauce and mix until all pasta is evenly coated.

For Assembly:

1. 6. In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
2. 7. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. 8. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked ziti!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 80mg