Ultimate Ground Beef Baked Ziti Recipe for Dinner

Discover the Ultimate Comfort Food

Are you searching for that one quintessential dish that screams comfort, warmth, and family togetherness? In a world brimming with culinary trends, sometimes the most satisfying meals are the classics, perfected. This Ground Beef Baked Ziti recipe is precisely that – a heartwarming, deeply flavorful, and utterly irresistible dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or celebratory family gatherings. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, enveloped in a rich, savory meat sauce, and generously blanketed with a bubbling, golden-brown blanket of cheese. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. This isn’t just another baked ziti; it’s the ultimate version you’ve been dreaming of, promising a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Irresistible Ingredients

The secret to an exceptional Ground Beef Baked Ziti lies in the quality and harmony of its ingredients. We’ve selected staples that create a rich, balanced flavor profile, but feel free to adjust based on your pantry and preferences!

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended): The foundation of our hearty sauce. The fat content allows for a richer, more flavorful sauce that doesn’t dry out. For a leaner option, use 90/10, but consider adding a touch more olive oil.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing aromatics and enhancing flavor.
• 1 large onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base. A yellow or sweet onion works best.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that punchy, savory depth. Adjust to your garlic preference.
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of our sauce. Choose a good quality brand for the best tomato-forward flavor.
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that complements tomato and beef perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery note.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick. Adjust to your desired heat level.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese: The creamy, dreamy binder that makes baked ziti, well, baked ziti! Whole milk ricotta offers the richest flavor.
• 1 large egg: Helps to bind the ricotta mixture, making it creamy and stable.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the ricotta filling.
• 1 pound ziti pasta: The perfect tube shape to capture sauce. Penne, rigatoni, or even large shells are great substitutes.
• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty, stretchy cheese lovers dream of. Low-moisture, part-skim is ideal for baking.

Perfect Timing

Compared to average baked ziti recipes which often range from 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes total, our streamlined approach gets this comforting classic on your table in just over an hour, without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Aromatics

Let’s kick things off by browning our ground beef. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Now, let’s build that luscious sauce. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently bubble away for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – this is your moment to perfect the sauce’s profile!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. We want it to have a slight bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. It’s a good idea to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water – it can be a lifesaver if your sauce needs a bit more moisture later.

Step 4: Assemble the Ziti

Time to bring everything together! In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the meat sauce. Stir gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You want this mixture to be smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer, then gently spread it as best you can (it doesn’t need to be perfect). Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning before the pasta is heated through) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown.

Nutritional Snapshot

While a specific nutritional breakdown requires precise ingredient measurements and analysis, a typical serving of this Ground Beef Baked Ziti (approximately 1/8th of the dish) contains an estimated:

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fiber: 4-6g

Please note: These are estimates and can vary significantly based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Healthier Swaps for Lighter Indulgence

Enjoying comfort food doesn’t mean you can’t make healthier choices! Here are some ways to lighten up this classic:

• Leaner Protein: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken. You can also incorporate a mix of vegetables like finely diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the meat sauce for added nutrients and fiber.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat ziti or penne for increased fiber content.
• Reduced-Fat Cheeses: Opt for part-skim ricotta and part-skim mozzarella. While they may melt slightly differently, they still provide that cheesy goodness with fewer calories and less saturated fat.
• Vegetable Boost: Mix in sautéed spinach, finely chopped carrots, or zucchini into the ricotta layer for an extra dose of vitamins and minerals.
• Smaller Portion Sizes: Enjoy this rich dish in moderation, paired with a large, fresh salad.

Serving Your Masterpiece

This Ground Beef Baked Ziti is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments to create a complete and satisfying dining experience:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, simple salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the ziti.
• Garlic Bread: For the ultimate comfort food indulgence, serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a healthy, fresh touch.
• A Glass of Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato and beef flavors beautifully.

Tips to Avoid Common Pitfalls

We’ve all been there – a dish that’s either too dry, too mushy, or just bland. Here’s how to ensure your baked ziti is perfect every time:

• Under-Seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper, especially in the sauce and ricotta mixture. Pasta water should taste like the sea!
• Overcooking the Pasta: Remember that the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so make sure it’s al dente when you drain it. Mushy pasta is a ziti disaster.
• Sauce Too Thin: Ensure your sauce has simmered long enough to thicken. Tomato paste is key for achieving a rich, coating consistency. If it’s still too thin after simmering, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Dry Baked Ziti: Make sure there’s enough sauce to coat the pasta. Consider adding a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick. Covering the dish while baking also helps retain moisture.
• Burning the Cheese: Covering the dish with foil for the initial baking period prevents the cheese from burning before the ziti is heated through.

Storing and Reheating Made Easy

Leftovers are a delicious bonus! Here’s how to store and reheat your baked ziti:

• Refrigeration: Allow the baked ziti to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: The best method! Reheat individual portions or a larger dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to crisp up the top.
  • Microwave: For quick reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. Add a splash of water or milk if it seems dry.

Your New Favorite Baked Ziti Awaits

This Ultimate Ground Beef Baked Ziti is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, quality ingredients coming together to create pure comfort and joy. The rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, perfectly cooked pasta, and a decadent blanket of melted cheese make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. We poured our hearts into perfecting this recipe, and we truly believe it will become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try and taste the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions