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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef; drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan until well combined.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. Repeat layers once more.
- 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.