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Hearty ziti pasta tossed in a rich, savory ground beef and tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, then baked to golden perfection. The ultimate comfort food casserole for any family dinner.
For 6 servings
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bring 4 quarts of water and 2 tsp of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add the ziti and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add the cooked ziti to the pot with the meat sauce and stir gently until the pasta is fully coated.
Hearty ziti pasta tossed in a rich, savory ground beef and tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, then baked to golden perfection. The ultimate comfort food casserole for any family dinner.
This italian_american recipe takes 85 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings. At 846.47 calories per serving with 51.76g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
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Assemble the casserole. Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Substitute the ground beef with ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot), ground turkey, or a combination.
Omit the ground beef and add 1-2 cups of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more, or use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
Stir 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the tomato sauce at the end of simmering for a richer, creamier consistency.
The ground beef and various cheeses provide a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
The pasta offers complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing sustained energy throughout the day.
Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses are good sources of calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
A typical 1.5 cup serving of this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the beef and cheese.
Baked Ziti is a hearty comfort food that is high in protein and carbohydrates. While it can be part of a balanced diet, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium due to the ground beef and cheese. To make it healthier, you can use leaner ground meat, low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables.
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's going into the oven straight from the fridge.
The main differences are the pasta shape and the layering. Baked ziti uses a tube-shaped pasta (ziti or penne) that is mixed with the sauce, while lasagna uses wide, flat pasta sheets that are distinctly layered with sauce and cheese fillings.
Absolutely. If you can't find ziti, other tube-shaped pastas like penne or rigatoni work perfectly as they hold the sauce well.
To avoid a dry result, ensure you have enough sauce to generously coat the pasta, as the pasta will absorb some liquid while baking. Using whole milk ricotta also adds moisture. Finally, be careful not to overbake it, especially after removing the foil.
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