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Introduction
Baked ziti with ground beef is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the best of pasta and savory meat in a delightful cheese-filled experience. This Italian-American classic is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even leftovers for lunch. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a favorite for home cooks everywhere.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Ziti pasta – 1 pound
Ground beef – 1 pound
Marinara sauce – 3 cups
Ricotta cheese – 15 ounces
Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded
Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, grated
Egg – 1 large
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Onion – 1 medium, chopped
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure that it is at the right temperature when the baked ziti is ready to be cooked.
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the Sauce Ingredients
To the skillet with the browned beef, add garlic and onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated.
Layer the Ziti
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the pasta and meat mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat with another layer of the pasta mixture followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set for easier serving.
Notes
Substitutions
Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef if you prefer a lighter option.
Make-Ahead Option
This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing Instructions
Baked ziti can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. For baking later, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Layering
Layering is essential for baked ziti to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures. Start by spreading a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the baking dish, then alternate between layers of ziti, sauce, cheese, and any additional ingredients like ground beef.
Boiling Pasta
Cook the ziti pasta in boiling water until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. Be sure to salt the water generously to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
Browning Meat
When preparing ground beef, ensure it is browned properly in a skillet. This adds rich flavor and provides a good texture to the baked ziti. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Cheese Melting
To achieve a perfectly melted cheese topping, consider using a combination of mozzarella and ricotta. Mozzarella provides stretchiness while ricotta adds creaminess to the dish.
Baking
Bake the assembled ziti in a preheated oven until bubbling and golden. Cover with aluminum foil initially to prevent over-browning, then uncover for the final few minutes to allow the cheese to become golden.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while ziti is traditional, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just ensure to cover it tightly.
How can I make baked ziti vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
What can I serve with baked ziti?
Baked ziti pairs well with salads, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I store leftover baked ziti?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Conclusion
Baked ziti with ground beef is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser. With the option to customize ingredients, this recipe can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy a delicious meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Baked Ziti
Swap the ground beef for a medley of roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach and mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative that does not compromise on flavor.
Cheesy Chicken Baked Ziti
Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef to create a lighter version of this dish, offering a different protein while still keeping it cheesy and delicious.
Spicy Sausage Baked Ziti
Incorporate spicy Italian sausage to add a kick to your baked ziti, providing an extra layer of bold flavor that spicy food lovers will adore.
Mexican-Inspired Baked Ziti
Enhance the dish with ingredients like black beans, corn, and taco seasoning, topped with a blend of Mexican cheeses for a zesty twist.
Pesto Baked Ziti
Introduce basil pesto in place of traditional marinara sauce for a fresh and fragrant variation that elevates the classic recipe to new heights.
Seafood Baked Ziti
Incorporate shrimp or crab meat with a creamy garlic sauce, providing a luxurious seafood alternative to the original baked ziti.
