Classic Baked Ziti with Beef

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of italian-american comfort? have you ever just needed a big old hug in food form? honestly, my friends, this baked ziti with ground beef recipe delivers exactly that.

It's cheesy, meaty, and utterly moreish – like a warm blanket on a cold night, but edible.

Brief Overview

Baked ziti, a glorious carb mountain, has its roots firmly planted in italian-american culture. it's a dish born from hearty appetites and a desire for simple, satisfying fare.

It is honestly easy. it'll take you about an hour to whip up, including the baking time. this recipe makes enough to feed 8-10 hungry souls, so it's perfect for a family get-together or a casual dinner party.

Main Benefits

This italian dinner recipe is proper good for the soul. plus, with all that ground beef, you are getting a good boost of protein.

I think it’s the perfect centrepiece for a casual sunday lunch or potluck. but what makes this really special? the layers of flavour, the bubbling cheese, and the fact that it's practically guaranteed to disappear in minutes.

Classic Baked Ziti with Beef Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce/800g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
• 15 ounces (425g) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Cook ziti pasta according to package directions, until al dente. Drain well.
• In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti to the dish, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the ricotta mixture, then half of the remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
• Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
• Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up and makes it easier to cut.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-25g

Fiber:3-4g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian-American

Let’s Get Layered: Ingredients You'll Need

First up, let's chat about what you'll need to conjure up this easy baked ziti . don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have in your cupboard.

We need one pound of ziti, and the following for the meat sauce

• One diced large yellow onion
• Two minced cloves garlic
• One pound of ground beef
• One teaspoon dried oregano
• Half teaspoon dried basil
• One 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• One 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
• Half cup water
• One teaspoon granulated sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Next we need the cheese. It is essential that we use whole milk ricotta cheese for the creamy layer.

• 15 ounces of whole milk ricotta cheese
• One large egg
• Quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

Right, gather these, and you are ready to start.

Tips for a Top-Notch Bake: My Secrets

Honestly, the key to a belting ground beef pasta bake is not overcooking the ziti. undercook it slightly – al dente , yeah? – because it'll carry on cooking in the oven.

You don't want a mushy mess. i like to use good-quality tomatoes. it makes a difference.

Another hot tip i learned the hard way: let the thing rest for a good 10 minutes out of the oven.

Honestly, this makes it easier to serve. it lets all the flavours properly meld together. and stops you burning your tongue trying to dive in.

Alright, let's talk baked ziti with ground beef ! honestly, who doesn't love a good pasta bake? it's proper comfort food, innit? think bubbling cheese and meaty goodness.

This recipe is gonna be your new go-to.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. you can't make baked ziti recipe without the right bits and bobs, can you? here's what you'll need to get this show on the road! this is your go-to guide for amazing italian dinner recipes .

Main Ingredients: Get Your Measure On!

These measurements are key. Don’t go rogue here!

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
• Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped. That's about 1 cup.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . Go for an 80/20 blend!
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a bit of a kick!).
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/800g) can .
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can .
• Water: 1/2 cup (120 ml) .
• Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon . Just a pinch to balance the acidity.
• Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (450g) .
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g) . Whole milk is the way to go.
• Large Egg: 1 , lightly beaten.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) , grated. Plus more for topping!
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Divided.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course.

Quality Indicators: For the ground beef, look for a good bright red colour. Not grey, yeah? The tomatoes should be vibrant. Pass on the ones that look sad.

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!

Okay, so this is where you can have a bit of fun. the oregano and basil are essential! they bring that proper italian dinner recipes flavour.

I sometimes add a pinch of fennel seeds for extra depth. honestly, it elevates the dish. red pepper flakes are brilliant if you like a bit of heat.

Fancy a change? add a teaspoon of italian seasoning blend.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Don't go mad buying loads of kit. We're making easy baked ziti , not rocket science!

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For the meat sauce.
• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Colander: To drain the pasta. Obvs.
• 9x13 Inch Baking Dish: This is the ideal size.
• Mixing Bowl: For the ricotta mixture.

Household alternatives: don’t have a dutch oven? a large saucepan will do. no colander? use a large bowl and a plate to hold the pasta back when draining.

Simple! think of this as a delicious beef casserole recipes . you know? baking it makes it extra special.

Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into a dish that's basically a hug in casserole form: baked ziti with ground beef .

Seriously, this isn't just a meal; it's an event. we are talking about ultimate comfort food pasta recipe . it is one of the best italian dinner recipes .

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Mayhem (But Organized!)

Honestly, the mise en place is key here. it’s a fancy french term, but basically, it means get your act together before you start cooking.

Chop your onion (i always cry, it's a thing), mince your garlic. measure out your spices and cheese. trust me, having everything ready makes the whole process a million times smoother.

It saves a whole lot of time. essential i tell ya.

• Time-Saving Tip: Chop your onion and garlic first . Get the annoying stuff out of the way.
• Safety First! Sharp knives are your friend, but distracted chefs aren't. Keep your wits about you, yeah?

Let's Get Layered: The Step-by-Step Baked Ziti Tango

Okay, here's where the magic happens. don't worry, it's easier than you think. think of it as building a cheesy, meaty, saucy lasagna, but with ziti! this is one of the greatest pasta dinner recipes you can prepare for your family or friends.

This could be your go-to beef casserole recipes .

1. Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brown 1 pound (450g) of ground beef in a pan. Drain that extra fat!
2. Sauté those aromatics: Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves . Cook until softened.
3. Sauce it up: Stir in 1 teaspoon of oregano, 0.5 teaspoon of basil, red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy), a 28 ounce (800g) can of crushed tomatoes, 15 ounce (425g) can of tomato sauce, 0.5 cup (120 ml) of water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Simmer this sauce for about 15 minutes for flavours to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook the ziti: Boil 1 pound (450g) of ziti until al dente . Drain it well!
5. Ricotta time: Mix 15 ounces (425g) of ricotta cheese with 1 egg , 0.25 cup of parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Layer up!: Sauce, then ziti, then ricotta, then mozzarella. Repeat! Top with extra parm.
7. Bake it: Cover the dish. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20 minutes . Uncover, bake for 10- 20 minutes more, until bubbly and golden.
8. Rest. Let it rest 10- 15 minutes before cutting.

Pro Tips & Secret Handshakes

Alright, listen up because I'm about to drop some knowledge bombs.

• Don't overcook the pasta! Mushy ziti is a crime.
• Common Mistake Alert: Not resting the ziti before cutting. Big mistake. Huge.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble this beauty the day before . Just bake it when you're ready. Dinner sorted! It´s even easier baked ziti .

So there you have it. a ground beef recipes for dinner . go forth and conquer that kitchen! and remember, it's all about the love you put into it.

You know? happy cooking!

Alright, so you've just whipped up a cracking baked ziti with ground beef ! but before you tuck in, or even if you're planning to make this easy baked ziti again, let's chat about some key bits.

You know, the stuff that takes it from 'good' to 'oh my gosh, this is amazing!'

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Ziti

Think of these as your cheat sheet for pasta perfection. i've learned a thing or two over the years, usually by making a right mess of things first! hopefully, these help you avoid some of my blunders.

Serving Suggestions: Show it Off!

Right, so presentation matters, even if it's just for yourself! Honestly, a well-presented baked ziti is a thing of beauty.

Plating and presentation ideas are always welcome! i like to serve a generous wedge on a plate, then a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of good quality olive oil.

Simple, but effective. want to go proper fancy? a dollop of pesto on top will give it a real pop of flavour and colour.

For complementary sides or beverages, you can serve this comfort food pasta recipe with a crisp green salad. a glass of chilled pinot grigio cuts through the richness nicely.

Garlic bread? obvs. who can say no to garlic bread?

Storage Tips: Save Some for Later (If You Can!)

Right, let's talk leftovers. If you've made a beef casserole recipes , chances are you'll have some left.

For refrigeration guidelines, the baked ziti recipe should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing options (if applicable): this freezes like a dream! wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil, or portion it out into freezer-safe containers.

It'll keep for up to 2 months. it is a very good ground beef pasta bake .

Reheating instructions are simple: thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through.

Or, if you're impatient like me, microwave it until piping hot. just be aware that the texture might be slightly different.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Fancy tweaking things a bit? Go for it! This Italian dinner recipes are pretty versatile.

For dietary adaptations, you can easily make this vegetarian. just swap out the ground beef recipes for dinner for some veggie mince or extra veggies like mushrooms and peppers.

Use gluten-free ziti for a gluten-free version, or dairy-free cheese alternatives if you're avoiding dairy.

Seasonal ingredient swaps are good too! In the summer, add some fresh basil and cherry tomatoes to the sauce. In the autumn, some roasted butternut squash would be amazing stirred through.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Right, a bit of a disclaimer: I'm no nutritionist! The estimates for the ground beef pasta bake are rough.

This dish has protein from the beef and cheese. It’s also got carbs from the pasta. It offers vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes and other veggies.

Baked ziti is a hearty meal. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

Honestly, don’t worry too much about the numbers. Just enjoy every mouthful!

So there you have it – everything you need to know to nail this pasta dinner recipes ! Go forth, cook, and enjoy!