Craving a hearty and satisfying dinner? This Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Marinara is a classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy evening meal and a fantastic addition to your ground beef dinner recipes repertoire. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this cheesy, flavorful dish that feeds a crowd.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ziti Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work just as well.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought marinara saves time, or make your own.
- Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese is a fine substitute.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: Large pot, large skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Simmer the Marinara Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This makes a great base for many ground beef dinner recipes.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the sauce simmers, in a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
5. Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and half of the remaining marinara sauce. Repeat the layers: remaining pasta, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining marinara sauce, and finally, the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake the Ziti
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Variation Ideas
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the marinara sauce for extra vegetables.
- Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce for a little heat.
- Mix a small amount of fresh spinach into the ricotta layer.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add about 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time.
Q: What kind of ground beef is best?
A: Lean ground beef (85-90% lean) is recommended to avoid too much grease, but adjust as you prefer.
Q: Can I freeze Baked Ziti?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q: What can I serve with Baked Ziti?
A: A simple green salad and some crusty bread are perfect accompaniments.
Q: Why is my ziti mushy?
A: Ensure you cook the pasta only until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can. You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped, to substitute for the canned crushed tomatoes.