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CHEESY BAKED ZITI WITH GROUND BEEF

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Deliciously comforting baked ziti with ground beef, layered with cheese and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 454 g ground beef Use lean ground beef for less fat.
  • 454 g ziti pasta Can substitute with penne.
  • 24 oz marinara or traditional tomato sauce Use your favorite brand.
  • 1 small onion, diced Yellow or white onion works best.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adjust to taste.
  • 240 g ricotta or softened cream cheese Ricotta gives a more traditional taste.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella For a cheesy top layer.
  • 0.5 cup shredded Parmesan Adds a sharp flavor.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning Enhances the Italian flavor.
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder Adds additional garlic flavor.
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • Salt, to taste Adjust as needed.
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley For garnish before serving.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the meat sauce: Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and a little salt. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for about 5–10 minutes.
  3. Mix the cheese: In a bowl, combine the ricotta or softened cream cheese with ½ cup mozzarella and the Parmesan. Mix until creamy.
  4. Layer it up: Toss the cooked ziti with about half of the meat sauce. Spread half of the pasta into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add spoonfuls of the creamy cheese mixture, then another layer of pasta and the remaining meat sauce.
  5. CHEESE TIME! 🧀: Cover the entire top with the remaining mozzarella. Don't be shy! 😍
  6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  7. Finish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Then grab that first cheesy scoop!

Notes

You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.