Baked Ziti with Ground Halal Beef

Baked ziti with ground halal beef is like a warm hug on a plate. Picture a bubbling casserole dish filled to the brim with tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese melting into a glorious symphony of flavors. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget your worries and dive right into comfort food heaven.

Growing up, my family often gathered around the table for Sunday dinners full of laughter and love—none more memorable than when my mom unveiled her famous baked ziti. The aroma wafting through our home was enough to make anyone weak at the knees! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering, this dish is always a hit.

I remember the first time I made this baked ziti; my friends declared it as “life-changing” and immediately requested it for every gathering after that!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ziti Pasta: Opt for medium-sized ziti pasta that holds plenty of sauce and cheese perfectly.
• Ground Halal Beef: Choose lean ground halal beef for optimal flavor without too much grease.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce or homemade for personalized flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella offers the best melt and stretch when baked.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty richness that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs enhances flavor; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
• Fresh Basil (optional): Chopped fresh basil elevates the dish’s freshness and aroma—plus it looks fantastic!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add salt and cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground halal beef until fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until no pink remains.

Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in marinara sauce over cooked meat. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes while you soak up those delightful aromas filling your kitchen.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta with meat sauce mixture. Ensure every piece of pasta is coated well—this is where magic happens!

Layer the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer half of your pasta mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of both mozzarella and Parmesan over it before adding the remaining pasta on top.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Enjoy serving this delicious dish hot from the oven! Your family will thank you as they dive into each cheesy bite of warmth enveloped in nostalgia.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground halal beef in a skillet while boiling water for the pasta. This dual approach saves time and ensures everything cooks evenly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella, or add veggies like spinach and mushrooms for extra flavor. Personalize it based on your family’s preferences!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container; they can last up to three days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that cheesy goodness.

There’s nothing quite like watching my kids’ eyes light up when they take their first bite of this dish. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love cooking!

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground halal beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully as alternatives.

How do I prevent my baked ziti from drying out?

Cover it with foil while baking to keep moisture locked in.

Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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Baked Ziti with Ground Halal Beef

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Baked Ziti with Ground Halal Beef is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines tender pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.

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Ingredients

• Ziti pasta
• Ground halal beef
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook ziti in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground halal beef for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce in a large bowl.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan, then add the remaining pasta on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, mix in ricotta cheese or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. - Store leftovers in an airtight container; they last up to three days in the fridge.