There’s something incredibly comforting about a bubbling dish of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, isn’t there? I remember a chilly evening when I first tried making this dish. Imagine me, a slightly frazzled home cook, pouring over a recipe that promised cheesy goodness. Those first bites of warm, gooey pasta took me back to my childhood family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, laughter filling the air. That’s the enchantment of this dish – it’s not just a meal, but a heartfelt gathering of flavors and memories.
This recipe has become my go-to for potlucks, cozy family nights, or when I’m just craving that cheesy, saucy goodness. It’s straightforward, yet it’s packed with flavor! Plus, it’s like a warm hug in a baking dish. Trust me, once you try this Baked Ziti, it’ll likely find a permanent spot in your recipe collection!
What’s in Baked Ziti With Ground Beef?
Let’s break down the star ingredients, shall we?
Ziti Pasta: These tubular pasta beauties hold onto all that delicious sauce and cheese, making every bite a cheesy delight. You can use a pound of any pasta shape you like, but ziti is my absolute favorite!
Ground Beef: This is the meat that brings heartiness to the dish. I usually opt for lean ground beef to keep things a bit lighter, but feel free to use your preferred ground meat – turkey or chicken work too!
Marinara Sauce: The sauce that ties it all together. I love using store-bought marinara sauce for convenience; it’s less fuss and still packs a flavorful punch. Just look for a quality brand without too many additives!
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness to the ziti. If you’re a ricotta lover like I am, you’ll definitely want to steal a spoonful (or two) while mixing!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The quintessential melting cheese. I can never have enough of it, can you? Use whole-milk mozzarella for the best meltiness, but part-skim will work too.
Parmesan Cheese: This brings that sought-after umami flavor that balances all the richness of the dish. Freshly grated is always a fantastic choice if you have it on hand.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that elevates the flavor beautifully! If you have fresh herbs, toss some in too for an even fresher taste.
Garlic Powder: Because who doesn’t love the aroma and flavor of garlic in Italian dishes?
Salt and Pepper: Simple, but essential! Adjust according to your taste.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: This is optional but totally recommended. A sprinkling of fresh herbs right before serving not only brightens up the dish but also makes it look restaurant-worthy!
Is Baked Ziti With Ground Beef Good for You?
Baked ziti? You might be wondering about the health factor. Let’s dive into it!
Whole Wheat Pasta: If you’re looking to add more fiber to your diet, you can always swap regular ziti for whole wheat. It’ll give you that same luscious dish with a health boost!
Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef helps reduce the fat content, making your baked ziti a tad healthier.
Cheese: Let’s be honest – while cheese brings the joy, it does come with calories and fat. Moderation is key! You can use less cheese or sub in lower-fat options if you prefer.
Overall, Baked Ziti is a joyful indulgence! While it might not be the lightest meal around, it’s the love and warmth that count. Enjoy it in moderation, and it’ll fit into a balanced diet just fine!
Ingredients for Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
This recipe serves about 6-8 people. Here’s what you need:
– 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
– 1 pound (450g) ground beef
– 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
– 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Baked Ziti With Ground Beef?
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and let’s get that kitchen smelling good!
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to drain and set it aside!
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, toss in the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
4. After browning the beef, stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes – your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, the beef and marinara mixture, and the ricotta cheese until everything’s well combined.
6. Now, transfer half of this glorious ziti mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining ziti mixture, and don’t skimp on the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese!
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and gloriously golden brown.
9. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you want to be fancy, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before diving in!
Cheesy Tips and Variations!
– For extra flavor, sauté some chopped onions and bell peppers with the ground beef.
– Add some cooked spinach or mushrooms for an added nutrition boost!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, consider using different cheeses like gouda or cheddar.
– Leftovers? This Baked Ziti reheats like a dream! Just pop it in the microwave or back into the oven for a quick meal.
I hope you try this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef! It’s the kind of dish that brings people together. Let me know how it turns out for you, and feel free to share any tweaks you make along the way! Happy cooking!
