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Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe


  • Author: Mark Taylor
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8

Description

Baked ziti with ground beef is the perfect comfort food, ideal for family dinners or gatherings. This hearty dish combines layers of tender ziti pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheese. As it bakes to golden perfection, the delightful aroma fills your home, making it impossible to resist. Not only is this recipe simple and quick to prepare, but it also makes for fantastic leftovers, ensuring you can enjoy its delicious flavors throughout the week. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this baked ziti recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; let simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan with the meat sauce until well combined.
  6. Transfer to the greased baking dish; top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 140g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. You can assemble this dish in advance and refrigerate before baking for convenience. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.