Name: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jar marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

Are you looking for a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta. This classic Italian dish is the perfect combination of flavors and textures, with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy ricotta cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this Baked Ziti recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in no time. Plus, it’s a great dish to make ahead of time and freeze for later, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. If you’re looking to make it healthier, you can even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. No matter how you choose to make it, this Baked Ziti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

To make this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional ingredient substitutions:

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir to combine with the ground beef mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta on top.
Next, add a layer of the cheese mixture, followed by another layer of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top of the dish.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro tips for success:

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding the ground beef.
If you prefer a crispy top, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end of baking.

Variations and Substitutions

While this Baked Ziti recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

If you’re vegetarian, you can omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
For a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
If you’re not a fan of ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or even cream cheese instead.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Gouda.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a hearty and satisfying dish on its own, but you can enhance the meal by serving it with some complementary side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans
A glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time by about 10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Yes, this Baked Ziti freezes well. Simply divide the leftovers into individual portions and store them in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: While ziti is the traditional choice for this dish, you can certainly use other types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With its simple yet delicious combination of ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this Baked Ziti is a satisfying and versatile option. So why not give it a try and experience the joy of homemade Italian cuisine?