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Baked Ziti Recipe
Aima Solace

Ultimate Baked Ziti Recipe With Ground Beef

Craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner? This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting classic! Tender ziti pasta is tossed with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy ricotta layer, then topped with gooey mozzarella and baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, it’s ready in about an hour and kid-approved. Packed with protein and customizable for gluten-free diets, this dish brings Italian-American warmth to your table. Inspired by cozy Sunday suppers, it’s a recipe I turn to for pure comfort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Baking, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook ziti until al dente; drain.
  3. Heat oil in skillet; cook onion 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add garlic and beef; cook 5-7 minutes; drain fat.
  5. Stir in marinara, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.
  6. Mix ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  7. Layer in 9x13 dish: half ziti, half meat sauce, ricotta mix, remaining ziti, meat sauce, 1 cup mozzarella.
  8. Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
  9. Garnish with parsley; serve.

Notes

  • Store in fridge 4 days or freeze 2 months.
  • Use ground turkey or cottage cheese as substitutes.
  • Add pasta water if sauce is thick.
  • Assemble 24 hours ahead; bake later.
  • Serve with garlic bread and salad.

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