baked ziti with ground beef recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best baked ziti with ground beef recipe

I have been making baked ziti with ground beef for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This classic Italian-American dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for any occasion. From weeknight dinners to special events like holidays and potlucks, baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

My kids love it because it’s a comforting, familiar taste that reminds them of home. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to prepare – just brown the ground beef, cook the pasta, mix everything together with some marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, and bake until golden brown. The result is a satisfying, filling meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Plus, this recipe is relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods – the ground beef adds protein while the vegetables add fiber and nutrients. It’s also a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables – just chop them up finely and mix them into the meat sauce before baking. I’ve made this recipe countless times for my family, friends, and even for potlucks at work.

Every time I serve it, I get rave reviews. My kids ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds!) , and my friends often request the recipe.

It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of this beloved dish that has stood the test of time.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

4.8 from 513 votes

This baked ziti with ground beef recipe is a hearty and comforting dish. It features tender ziti pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together to perfection.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (8 oz) tomato paste
1 cup water
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
6Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
7Drain off any excess fat.
8Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
10Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
11Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
12In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked ziti pasta and the ground beef sauce.
13Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
14Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
15Cover the baking dish with foil.
16Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
17Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing spoon
Colander
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition.

Baked ziti with ground beef is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special event like a holiday party or potluck. This versatile recipe adapts easily to suit your needs: simply adjust the amount of cheese or add some extra veggies if you’re looking for healthier options.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for later use. When reheating, be sure to cover with foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out – then serve hot alongside your favorite sides or as part of a satisfying meal on its own.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Q: What type of pasta should I use?

For baked ziti with ground beef, you’ll want to use traditional ziti pasta – its ridged shape helps hold onto the flavorful meat sauce.

Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or pork for the beef?

Sure! While traditional recipes call for ground beef, you can easily swap in ground turkey or pork for a leaner option.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from becoming too browned during baking?

To prevent over-browning, cover the top of the casserole with aluminum foil during baking.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q: What if I don’t have any fresh basil on hand?

No worries! You can omit the basil or substitute dried oregano if you prefer.

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