Baked Ziti Recipe With Ground Beef

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 01, 2025

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Baked Ziti Recipe with Ground Beef: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Baked ziti is a beloved comfort food, and this recipe elevates it to new heights with the addition of savory ground beef. It's a perfect dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a truly satisfying and memorable meal. Let's dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller gatherings.

• For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Other Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. If desired, stir in the fresh parsley during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Ziti

Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. Make sure everything is well coated.
2. Pour the ziti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
5. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Baked Ziti

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
• Add vegetables: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone or Romano in addition to the mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the ziti dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This is great for entertaining.
• Leftovers: Store leftover ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This baked ziti recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us using #bakedziti #groundbeefrecipe. We'd love to see your delicious results!