Description
Baked ziti with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food that brings together layers of al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese for a satisfying meal. This easy recipe is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering both flavor and heartiness that will keep everyone coming back for more. With its layers of tender ziti enveloped in a savory ground beef sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella, every bite is a delightful experience. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to make this dish uniquely yours. Serve it alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook ziti in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat. Stir in Italian seasoning and marinara sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese.
- Layer half the pasta mixture in the baking dish, top with half the mozzarella, then add remaining pasta and mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg