Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Baked ziti with ground beef. Just the name conjures up images of cozy evenings, bubbling cheese, and the comforting aroma of Italian herbs filling the kitchen. For years, this dish has been a cornerstone of our family meals, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that bridges generations. From chaotic weeknight dinners to relaxed weekend gatherings, this baked ziti recipe has never failed to bring smiles to our faces and requests for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). What I love most about this recipe, beyond its deliciousness, is its incredible versatility and forgiving nature. You can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences, sneak in extra vegetables, or adjust the level of richness. But at its heart, it remains a simple, satisfying, and utterly delightful dish that embodies the warmth and generosity of home cooking. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory maker, and a testament to the power of good food to bring people together. Get ready to experience the baked ziti that has won over even the pickiest eaters in my family – it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in yours too!

Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and flavorful baked ziti. We’ve kept the ingredients straightforward and readily available, focusing on quality and taste for the best possible result.

• Ziti Pasta: 1 pound. The classic choice for baked ziti, ziti pasta holds its shape well and provides perfect tubes to trap all that delicious sauce and cheese. You can also use penne or rigatoni if ziti isn’t available.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound. Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize grease. Ground beef provides a hearty and savory base for the sauce.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium. Diced. Onion adds a foundational aromatic layer to the sauce, building depth of flavor.
• Garlic: 4 cloves. Minced. Garlic is essential for Italian-inspired dishes, lending its pungent and savory notes to the sauce.
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces. Crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce, providing a rich tomato flavor and texture. Look for good quality crushed tomatoes for the best taste.
• Canned Tomato Sauce: 15 ounces. Tomato sauce adds body and intensifies the tomato flavor of the sauce, creating a smoother consistency.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste is concentrated tomato flavor, adding richness and depth to the sauce.
• Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons. Oregano is a classic Italian herb, adding a warm and slightly peppery flavor to the sauce.
• Dried Basil: 2 teaspoons. Basil complements oregano beautifully, bringing a sweet and aromatic herbaceousness to the dish.
• Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons, or to taste. Salt enhances all the flavors and is crucial for a well-seasoned dish.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon. A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall sweetness of the sauce.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and adds a fruity and rich flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces. Whole milk ricotta cheese provides a creamy and slightly tangy layer in the baked ziti.
• Egg: 1 large. The egg helps bind the ricotta mixture together, preventing it from being too watery and ensuring a cohesive layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor to the ricotta mixture and for topping.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces, shredded. Mozzarella is the star of the cheesy topping, melting beautifully and creating that irresistible gooey layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Baked Ziti

Follow these detailed instructions to create a baked ziti masterpiece that your family and friends will rave about. We’ve broken down each step to ensure success, even for beginner cooks!

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures even cooking and melting of the cheese without burning the top.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use plenty of water to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out.
3. Add the ziti pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions for al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Al dente pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s important not to overcook it at this stage.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside. Don’t rinse the pasta, as the starch on the surface helps the sauce adhere better.

Step 2: Make the Hearty Ground Beef Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Use a skillet large enough to accommodate all the sauce ingredients.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Softening the onion releases its sweetness and aroma.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Fragrant garlic is key to a flavorful sauce.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Ensure the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease after browning.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until thoroughly combined and smooth.
2. Season the ricotta mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This adds another layer of flavor to the baked ziti.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the baked ziti from sticking to the bottom.
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a flavorful base and prevents the pasta from sticking directly to the dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the remaining meat sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
4. Pour half of the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish. Spread it in an even layer.
5. Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Distribute it as uniformly as possible.
6. Top with the remaining sauced pasta. Create a final even layer.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of pasta. Ensure the entire surface is covered with cheese for a beautiful melted topping.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly and keeps the inside moist.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve hot and enjoy this classic comfort food with your favorite sides. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Ziti with Ground Beef (Per Serving)

Please note that nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. These values are approximate for one serving of this baked ziti recipe (assuming 8 servings per 9×13 inch dish).

• Serving Size: 1/8 of 9×13 inch dish
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 25-30 grams

Preparation Time Breakdown for Baked Ziti

Getting this delicious baked ziti on the table is easier than you might think! Here’s a quick breakdown of the time involved:

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (chopping vegetables, browning beef, preparing ricotta mixture)
• Cook Time (Sauce Simmer): 20-30 minutes
• Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
• Rest Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 55 minutes

While it takes a little time, much of it is hands-off simmering and baking time, allowing you to multitask or relax while the magic happens in the kitchen.

How to Serve Baked Ziti: Perfect Pairings and Sides

Baked ziti is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better with some complementary side dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve your baked ziti:

• Classic Garlic Bread: Buttery, garlicky bread is the perfect accompaniment for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Homemade or store-bought, it’s a must-have.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh and crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the baked ziti.
• Caesar Salad: A heartier salad option, Caesar salad with its creamy dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese is another great choice.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers add a healthy and flavorful side dish. The roasted vegetables offer a nice textural contrast to the soft baked ziti.
• Steamed Green Beans: A simple side of steamed green beans, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, offers a fresh and vibrant green element to the meal.
• Italian Bread with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Serve slices of crusty Italian bread with a dipping bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple and elegant starter or side.
• Meatballs or Italian Sausage (on the side or incorporated): For an even heartier meal, you can serve meatballs or Italian sausage alongside the baked ziti, or even incorporate them into the sauce.

Additional Tips for Baking the Best Ziti

Elevate your baked ziti game with these helpful tips and tricks! From ingredient substitutions to make-ahead strategies, we’ve got you covered.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is crucial for baked ziti. It will continue to cook in the oven and you don’t want it to become mushy. Undercook it slightly by a minute or two from the package directions.
• Brown the Beef Well: Browning the ground beef properly develops deeper flavor. Don’t rush this step. Break it up into small pieces and let it brown evenly.
• Simmer the Sauce Longer for Deeper Flavor: While 20 minutes is sufficient, simmering the sauce for 30 minutes or even longer will allow the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a richer and more complex sauce.
• Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used instead of or in addition to mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Add Vegetables to the Sauce: Sneak in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and flavor of your baked ziti. Sauté them with the onions and garlic.
• Make it Ahead of Time: Baked ziti is a fantastic make-ahead dish! Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Baked ziti freezes beautifully. Assemble and bake as directed, let it cool completely, then cut into portions and freeze in airtight containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through and bubbly.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier baked ziti, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the ricotta mixture for a subtle kick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti

Got questions about making baked ziti? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries to help you bake with confidence.

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ziti?

A: Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, penne, rigatoni, or even large shells work wonderfully in baked ziti. Choose a pasta shape that has ridges or tubes to hold onto the sauce. Just be sure to cook it al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Q2: Can I make baked ziti vegetarian?

A: Yes, easily! To make vegetarian baked ziti, simply omit the ground beef. You can add more vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, or lentils, to add heartiness and flavor. A layer of sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts would also be delicious.

Q3: How do I prevent my baked ziti from being watery?

A: Several factors can contribute to watery baked ziti. Make sure to drain the cooked pasta thoroughly. Also, simmer the meat sauce long enough to reduce excess liquid and thicken it. Don’t add too much liquid to the ricotta mixture. Using whole milk ricotta and draining off any excess liquid before mixing can help. Finally, baking it uncovered for the last portion of baking time helps evaporate excess moisture.

Q4: Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?

A: Pre-shredded mozzarella cheese is convenient, but it often contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which can sometimes hinder melting. For the best melt, block mozzarella cheese, shredded at home, is recommended. However, pre-shredded mozzarella will still work and is perfectly acceptable for ease and convenience.

Q5: How long does baked ziti last in the refrigerator?

A: Properly stored baked ziti will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it is cooled completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Q6: Can I double or triple this recipe for a crowd?

A: Yes! Baked ziti is perfect for feeding a large crowd. Simply double or triple all the ingredients and use larger baking dishes or multiple dishes. Baking time may need to be slightly increased for larger quantities.

Q7: What is the best way to reheat baked ziti?

A: The best way to reheat baked ziti is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baked ziti with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave in individual portions, but the texture might be slightly softer.

Q8: Can I add wine to the meat sauce?

A: Absolutely! Adding red wine to the meat sauce can deepen the flavor even further. Add about ½ cup of dry red wine after browning the beef and let it reduce slightly before adding the tomatoes and other sauce ingredients. This adds complexity and richness to the sauce.

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