Ultimate Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe Delight

The aroma of bubbling cheese, rich tomato sauce, and hearty ground beef fills the air, promising a comforting meal that warms not just your belly but your heart. This Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe is like a cozy hug from your favorite sweater on a chilly evening. It’s perfect for family gatherings or just a casual night in, reminding us that the best moments are often spent around the dinner table.

Picture this: it’s a Friday evening, and you’ve had a long week. You’re ready to unwind with something delicious, something that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm blanket of flavor. That’s where this baked ziti comes in—full of gooey cheese and savory beef, it’s sure to become your new go-to comfort food.

Ingredients for Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

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

• Ziti Pasta: About 12 ounces will do; this tubular pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully.

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a flavorful yet tender result.

• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred variety or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!

• Ricotta Cheese: Choose whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it’s the secret to making this dish extra decadent.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that gooey texture; don’t skimp on this!

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds depth; sprinkle generously on top for that golden crust.

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

How to Make Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any cheesy disasters later on.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you work some culinary magic.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about five minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for about ten minutes so those flavors can mingle like old friends at a reunion.

Step 4: Mix the Cheeses

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is nicely blended together; this will be the creamy goodness that makes your baked ziti sing!

Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece

In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta on the bottom. Then spread half of the meat sauce over it followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers one more time until all ingredients are used up.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for that glorious cheesy crust! Cover with foil (to avoid sticking) and bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional ten minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before digging in—trust me, you’ll want to avoid burning your tongue!

Now grab some forks, gather around your table, and serve generous portions of this delectable Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe! Enjoy every melty bite knowing you’ve created something truly special.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet to seal in flavor. Cook the pasta while your sauce simmers, then mix them all together with cheese before baking. This sequence ensures every layer is bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version. Add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color. Spice it up with different herbs or cheeses based on your mood.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth can help keep it moist.

Sometimes I whip up this Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef recipe when friends come over, and they always rave about it! One time, I even caught someone sneaking seconds—classic move!

FAQs:

What is the Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe?

The Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe includes ziti pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. This dish is layered for maximum flavor and baked until bubbly. Each ingredient comes together to create a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. You can customize it by adding vegetables or substituting with turkey or lamb if desired.

How do I store leftovers from the Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe?

To store leftovers from the Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions for up to three months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Can I make the Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe ahead of time. Prepare the dish as instructed but do not bake it. Instead, cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked ziti for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a substitute for ricotta cheese in the Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe, consider using cottage cheese blended until smooth or a combination of cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Both alternatives provide a creamy texture that works well in baked dishes. You can also use dairy-free options like cashew cream for a plant-based alternative if desired.

Conclusion for Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe:

In summary, the Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe is perfect for families or gatherings. It combines flavorful ingredients like ground beef and marinara sauce layered between ziti pasta and cheeses. This dish is easy to prepare ahead of time and offers delicious leftovers too. With its savory taste and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home cooking repertoire!

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Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

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• Author: Sara
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Indulge in the comforting layers of this Best Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, featuring al dente ziti pasta enveloped in savory marinara sauce, hearty ground beef, and a blend of creamy cheeses. This delicious dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every bite. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it will quickly become a staple in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef; drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Mix ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan until well combined.
5. In the prepared baking dish, layer half the pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. Repeat layers once more.
6. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 230g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, season the ground beef with Italian herbs. - Customize by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.