Description
Baked ziti with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food that combines al dente pasta, savory beef, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is easy to prepare and will have everyone coming back for seconds. With layers of marinara sauce and creamy ricotta, every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain well.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and chopped basil.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer ziti, meat sauce, and dollops of ricotta mixture until all ingredients are used. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg