Description

This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a cozy, comforting oven-baked pasta dish made with tender ziti, a rich beef tomato sauce, and layers of melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, and sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
28 oz crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté onion until soft.
Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer sauce for 10–15 minutes.
Mix pasta with meat sauce.
Layer half the pasta in a baking dish, add ricotta and mozzarella.
Add remaining pasta and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can prepare this baked ziti a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Add a splash of water or sauce when reheating to keep it moist. Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 520
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg