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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

A warm and comforting classic Italian-American dish featuring ziti pasta, ground beef, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 525

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 1 pound ziti pasta Large pasta shape that holds the sauce well.
  • 1 pound ground beef Provides protein and richness to the dish.
Sauce and Cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Use your favorite brand or homemade.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Adds creaminess.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For topping and mixing.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For additional flavor.
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste Adjust based on preference.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the beef.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  2. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assembly
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella with the beef mixture. Mix well to ensure the noodles are well-coated.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  2. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, letting the layers settle for easy serving.

Notes

Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Great for leftovers and flavors deepen over time.