Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Craving a comforting classic that’s easy to make? This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a perfect ground beef dinner recipe, bringing together tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and melty cheese for a satisfying meal everyone will love. You’ll find it’s a fantastic dish for a weeknight or a gathering.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for best results.
- Ziti Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work well as alternatives.
- Canned Tomatoes: Crushed or diced tomatoes are fine; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cheeses: Mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan are traditional; feel free to add provolone.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For the Ziti:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550-650 (depending on ingredients)
- Tools needed: Large pot, large skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ziti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook gently for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This makes a rich ground beef dinner recipe base.
3. Combine Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the ziti. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with another layer of meat sauce, then the remaining ziti, and finally the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan on top.
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Variation Ideas:
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce for extra vegetables.
- Layer with a different kind of cheese like provolone or white cheddar.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make mini baked ziti in individual ramekins for portion control.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you make this Baked Ziti ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: How do you prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
A: Cook the ziti al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. It will finish cooking in the oven.
Q: What can you serve with Baked Ziti?
A: A simple green salad and garlic bread are classic accompaniments that complement this ground beef dinner recipe perfectly.
Q: Can you freeze Baked Ziti?
A: Absolutely! Freeze the assembled (unbaked or baked) ziti in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Q: Do you have to use ground beef?
A: While this is a ground beef dinner recipe, you could use ground turkey for a lighter alternative, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Q: Why is it called Baked Ziti?
A: It’s named after the ziti pasta, which means “grooms” in Italian, traditionally served at weddings, and then baked with sauce and cheese.
