Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about baked ziti, especially on a cold night. This baked ziti with ground beef recipe is packed with gooey cheese, savory sauce, and hearty pasta. And let’s face it – this is one of those dishes that you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (maybe even thirds!). Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that combines all the best qualities of baked ziti but makes it easy to prepare, customize, and enjoy.

As I sat down to write this blog post, I couldn’t help but remember the first time I tried baked ziti at my grandmother’s house. She always had a way of transforming simple ingredients into something unforgettable. That’s what this recipe aims to do – bring all the goodness of a classic baked ziti with a few unique twists that make it perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, and even meal-prepping.

Let’s dive into the recipe and some pro tips to make this your ultimate comfort food!

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Why Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Baked ziti is a quintessential comfort food, combining layers of pasta, creamy cheeses, and rich sauce. By adding ground beef (or Italian sausage), you can give the dish extra heartiness and depth of flavor. The result? A satisfying meal that’s guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. I also love that this dish is adaptable to personal preferences – whether you want to go for classic ricotta cheese or make it extra creamy with a bit of cream cheese, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.

Ingredients Overview & Customization Options

Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate baked ziti with ground beef.

Ingredients:

1. Pasta:

16 ounces (1 lb) ziti pasta

2. Meat:

1 lb ground beef (or substitute half with Italian sausage for extra flavor)

3. Cheese Mix:

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup cottage cheese (optional for a lighter, healthier twist)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for added sharpness)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

4. Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (use a jarred sauce you love or homemade)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

5. Optional:

Red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice)

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Simple Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Meat

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (and sausage, if using) until browned. Drain excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cottage cheese (if using), cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Layer the Baked Ziti

1. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.

2. Layer half the cooked pasta, then half of the meat mixture, and half of the cheese filling.

3. Repeat layers: sauce, pasta, meat, and cheese filling. Top with remaining marinara sauce.

4. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella, cheddar (if using), and Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Product Recommendations to Perfect Your Baked Ziti

To make your experience in the kitchen as smooth as possible, here are a couple of products that I personally love and recommend.

1. Cuisinart Cast Iron 7-Quart Casserole Dish

This casserole dish is perfect for making baked ziti. Its large size and excellent heat retention make it ideal for even cooking, and the enameled cast iron ensures that it won’t stick. I love the versatility of this dish – you can go from stovetop to oven, and it cleans up beautifully.

Get the Cuisinart Cast Iron Casserole Dish on Amazon – perfect for all your pasta bakes and one-pan meals!

2. OXO Good Grips Box Grater

For those who want fresh-grated cheese for this recipe, the OXO Good Grips Box Grater is a game-changer. Its stainless steel construction makes it easy to shred cheese without much effort, and it even has a container for catching the shreds. Grating your own cheese gives you a smoother, meltier texture – which makes a big difference in baked ziti!

Shop the OXO Good Grips Box Grater on Amazon – a must-have for cheesy pasta dishes like this!

Book Recommendation: "The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science" by J. Kenji López-Alt

If you’re a fan of learning the science behind cooking (and who isn’t when it comes to making the perfect comfort food?), I highly recommend The Food Lab. This book dives into cooking techniques, ingredient knowledge, and tips that can really elevate your culinary skills.

Discover more in The Food Lab on Amazon – the perfect addition to your kitchen bookshelf!

Crockpot Option: Hands-Off Baked Ziti

Want a hassle-free way to make this dish? You can also cook it in a crockpot, perfect for days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Here’s how:

1. Follow the recipe above but layer all ingredients in the crockpot instead of a baking dish.

2. Set the crockpot on low and cook for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Serve straight from the crockpot for an easy, no-fuss meal.

Tips for Making Healthy and Lighter Baked Ziti

If you’re looking to make this classic dish a bit healthier, here are a few tricks:

Swap Ricotta for Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories but still provides creaminess.

Choose Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: Either one will cut down on the fat content without sacrificing taste.

Whole-Wheat Pasta: Whole-wheat ziti provides more fiber, making it a nutritious choice.

Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions and bring more nutrients to the dish.

Customizing the Recipe to Fit Your Preferences

One of the best things about baked ziti is that you can tweak it to fit your tastes.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and sausage and replace them with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even lentils.

Extra Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.

More Cheese: For cheese lovers, add an extra layer of mozzarella or sprinkle some Asiago for a unique flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve baked ziti with garlic bread, a side salad, or some roasted veggies. For a bit of garnish, sprinkle on fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make baked ziti with ground beef in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Baked ziti freezes well and reheats easily in the oven or microwave.

3. What’s the best substitute for ricotta if I don’t have it?

Cottage cheese and cream cheese work well as ricotta substitutes.

Baked ziti with ground beef is one of those classic recipes that delivers every time. I hope this recipe and the tips provided will help you create a dish that’s truly comforting, cheesy, and customizable. Whether you’re making it for family, meal-prepping, or simply indulging yourself, this baked ziti will not disappoint!

So, gather your ingredients, try out some of the product recommendations above, and dive into the joy of cooking this comforting, delicious meal. Enjoy every bite!