Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible aroma and mouthwatering flavors of our Hearty Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe. This dish is a true culinary masterpiece, blending the comforting richness of baked pasta with the savory goodness of ground beef, all infused with a symphony of spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
As you dive into the first bite, you’ll be transported to a cozy Italian trattoria, surrounded by the warmth of family and the joy of a shared meal. The noodles, perfectly al dente, are enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs every curve, while the ground beef adds a satisfying heartiness that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
But this recipe is more than just a delicious dish – it’s a labor of love, crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. From the careful selection of the finest ingredients to the meticulous step-by-step instructions, every aspect has been meticulously designed to ensure that you can recreate this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen, time and time again.
🌟 Reasons This Recipe Will Become a Favorite
What sets this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe apart from the rest? For starters, the flavor profile is simply unbeatable. The combination of the savory ground beef, the rich tomato sauce, and the creamy, melted cheese creates a harmonious blend that is both comforting and sophisticated. With each bite, you’ll be transported to a world of culinary bliss, where every flavor is perfectly balanced and every texture is a delight to the senses.
But the real beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to please. It’s the kind of meal that can be easily tailored to suit any dietary preference or restriction, making it a go-to option for any occasion. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can enjoy all the deliciousness without spending hours in the kitchen.
🥕 A Look at What Goes Into This Dish
• 1 lb (454g) ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz/794g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz/170g) can tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups (480ml) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
One of the key ingredients that really sets this Baked Ziti apart is the use of a high-quality, full-fat ricotta cheese. The creamy, velvety texture of the ricotta adds a luxurious element to the dish, complementing the heartiness of the ground beef and the tanginess of the tomato sauce. Additionally, the blend of Italian herbs – oregano and basil – infuses the recipe with authentic flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the dish will bake evenly and develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust on top.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: To the skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, and the lightly beaten eggs. Stir until well incorporated.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large, greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture, and then half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining cheese mixture.
- Bake the Ziti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
- Let it Rest: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set and the flavors to fully develop.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cook time: 50-60 minutes
• Total time: 80-90 minutes
🍏 Healthy Bites: Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 8 servings.
• Protein: 34 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
🔄 Creative Twists & Variations
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat, the ricotta with a vegan ricotta alternative, and the mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese substitutes.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon or two of crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce, or top the baked ziti with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
🍽️ Plating and Presentation Tips
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the top of the baked ziti with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Beverage Pairing: This hearty pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a bold, full-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or a Cabernet Sauvignon. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade would also be a delightful accompaniment.
🔍 Troubleshooting Common Recipe Issues
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the cheese, are at room temperature before assembling the dish. Cold ingredients can affect the overall texture and baking time of the ziti, leading to an uneven or undercooked result.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Ensure that your oven is fully preheated before baking the ziti. A properly preheated oven will help the dish rise and bake evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked, golden-brown crust on top.
🕒 A Guide to Storing for Later
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the baked ziti to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, thaw the ziti in the refrigerator overnight before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the leftover Baked Ziti with Ground Beef in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the texture may not be as crisp.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Absolutely! This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the perfect make-ahead dish. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
I don’t like ricotta cheese. Can I substitute it with something else?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cottage cheese. The cottage cheese will provide a similar creamy texture, while offering a slightly different flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use a blend of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in place of the ricotta.
Can I use a different type of pasta besides ziti?
Absolutely! While ziti is the traditional choice for this dish, you can use a variety of other short, tubular pasta shapes, such as penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as different pasta shapes may have varying cook times.
How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?
To make this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef more budget-friendly, consider using a leaner ground beef, such as 93% lean, which will reduce the overall fat content and cost. You can also substitute the ricotta cheese with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt, which can be a more affordable option. Additionally, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes to save a few dollars.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef recipe is a great canvas for adding extra vegetables. Some delicious options include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even diced zucchini. Simply incorporate the vegetables into the meat sauce or layer them between the pasta and cheese mixtures.
✍️ A Final Word from Our Kitchen
Indulging in a comforting and flavor-packed Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a true culinary experience that will leave you craving more. This dish is a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients and the art of balancing flavors. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or seeking a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.
So, don your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a delicious journey together. Savor every bite of this Hearty Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, and let the flavors transport you to the heart of Italy, where the warmth of family and the joy of good food are always in abundance.
Hearty Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 80-90 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 lb (454g) ziti pasta, or other short, tubular pasta
• 1 lb (454g) ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz/794g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz/170g) can tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups (480ml) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the dish will bake evenly and develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust on top.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: To the skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, and the lightly beaten eggs. Stir until well incorporated.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large, greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture, and then half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining cheese mixture.
- Bake the Ziti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
- Let it Rest: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set and the flavors to fully develop.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Hearty Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe
