Description
Baked ziti with ground beef is the ultimate comfort meal that brings everyone to the table after a long day. This hearty pasta dish combines tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and plenty of melty cheese into one effortless casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, this reliable family favorite is easy to prepare and creates a warm, deeply satisfying dinner that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Ingredients
1 lb Ziti pasta
1 lb Ground beef
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 medium Onion, finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
24 oz Marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups Mozzarella, shredded
1 cup Ricotta cheese
0.5 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until just shy of al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the ground beef until cooked through.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef and sauté until softened.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Drain the pasta and combine it with the meat sauce.
In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce, then layer half the pasta, half the ricotta, and half the mozzarella.
Repeat the layers and top with grated Parmesan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with fresh parsley.
Notes
Penne can be used as a substitute for ziti. Using whole milk ricotta will result in a creamier texture. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make excellent school lunches.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian