Baked Ziti with Ground Beef (Printable)
Tender pasta baked with seasoned beef, tomato sauce, and three melted cheeses for a comforting family dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
→ Meat Sauce
02 - 1.1 pounds ground beef
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Cheeses
13 - 9 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 4 ounces ricotta cheese
15 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Garnish (optional)
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Cook the ziti or penne in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is just al dente, typically 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
03 - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
05 - Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, the prepared meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix gently to ensure all components are well incorporated.
07 - Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish by scattering the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the surface.
08 - Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
09 - Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before portioning and serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- It's a genuine crowd-pleaser, perfect for those nights when you want to feed happy faces without too much fuss.
- The way the different cheeses melt together into a golden, bubbly crust is truly something special, a moment of pure culinary bliss.
02 -
- Never fully cook your pasta before baking; it will turn mushy in the oven, so always aim for slightly under al dente.
- Draining the excess fat from the browned beef is a simple step that makes a world of difference for a lighter, more flavorful sauce, preventing an oily casserole.
03 -
- To truly deepen the flavor of your sauce, consider simmering it for 30 minutes to an hour on low heat, allowing all the robust ingredients to meld beautifully.
- Allowing the baked ziti to rest for at least 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial; it helps the layers set and prevents the dish from falling apart when you serve it.