Ground Beef Baked Ziti
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
A comforting and hearty dish, Ground Beef Baked Ziti is the perfect meal for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
Ground Beef Baked Ziti is a delightful blend of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese that appeals to everyone. It's an ideal dish for those who love a hearty meal that is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A perfect blend of flavors that comfort the soul
- Easy to make ahead and reheat for busy nights
- Cheesy goodness in every bite
The Comfort of Baked Ziti
Ground Beef Baked Ziti is more than just a meal; it's a warm embrace in a dish. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and rich marinara sauce creates a harmonious blend that satisfies the soul. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, where the aroma wafting from the oven brings everyone to the table, eager to dig in.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a nutritional boost, or even swapping the ground beef for turkey or a meat alternative. This adaptability ensures that Ground Beef Baked Ziti can cater to various dietary preferences while still delivering that comforting classic taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best aspects of Ground Beef Baked Ziti is how well it performs as a meal prep favorite. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Simply assemble the ziti, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze it for longer storage. When you're ready to enjoy it, just pop it in the oven, and you'll have a delicious homemade dinner with minimal effort.
Reheating baked ziti is a breeze, too. Just cover it with foil to prevent drying out and heat it in the oven until warmed through. This means you can enjoy leftovers that taste just as good as the first serving, making it a smart choice for meal planning.
Garnishing for Presentation
While Ground Beef Baked Ziti is a comforting dish, a simple garnish can elevate its presentation. Adding fresh basil leaves not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish. You can also consider a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat, or a dusting of extra parmesan cheese for added richness.
Serving your baked ziti with a side salad or some garlic bread can create a well-rounded meal that impresses guests. These additions provide a nice contrast to the cheesy ziti, making for a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
For the Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine and Layer
In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese until well combined. Layer half of the mixture in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Add the remaining ziti mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Baked Ziti!
Nutritional Information
Ground Beef Baked Ziti is not just delicious, but it can also be a balanced meal. With protein from the ground beef and dairy, as well as carbohydrates from the pasta, it covers a range of food groups. To make it even healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta, which adds fiber and nutrients to the dish.
Portion control is key, especially if you're watching your intake. A standard serving can be filling, so be mindful of how much you serve alongside any sides. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without overindulging.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to beverages, Ground Beef Baked Ziti pairs beautifully with a robust red wine like Chianti or a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio. The acidity in the wine complements the marinara sauce wonderfully, enhancing your dining experience.
For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a light Italian soda can refresh the palate between bites, balancing the richness of the baked ziti.
Storage Tips
To keep your Ground Beef Baked Ziti fresh, it's important to store it properly. If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months, ensuring that you can enjoy it later without sacrificing quality.
When reheating, ensure that the dish is heated thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist as it reheats, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the first.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked ziti a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used in place of ground beef.
→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables and use plant-based cheese.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Ground Beef Baked Ziti
A comforting and hearty dish, Ground Beef Baked Ziti is the perfect meal for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
Created by: Lucinda Price
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese until well combined. Layer half of the mixture in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Add the remaining ziti mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g