why make this recipe
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to your dinner table. This recipe combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires simple ingredients, making it suitable for cooks of all skill levels.
how to make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Ingredients :
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, beef mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
- In a greased baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture, then layer with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
how to serve Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Serve the baked ziti hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. For an added touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
how to store Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
To store leftovers, let the baked ziti cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can bake it in the oven until hot or heat it in the microwave.
tips to make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked or leftover ground beef.
- For extra flavor, add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture.
- If you like a little spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before baking.
variation
You can customize this recipe to fit your taste. Try using sausage instead of ground beef or swapping out the ricotta for cottage cheese. You can also leave out the meat for a vegetarian option by adding more vegetables and using plant-based cheese.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses like provolone or gouda for a different flavor.
Q: What can I serve with Baked Ziti?
A: Baked ziti goes well with garlic bread, a light salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish combining layers of pasta, ground beef, rich marinara, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, beef mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
- In a greased baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture, then layer with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also mix different types of cheese for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
