Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is one of those classic comfort foods that evokes a sense of warmth and home. Imagine a hearty dish, where pasta meets savory beef, enveloped in rich marinara sauce, all topped off with gooey melted cheese.
Why We Love This Baked Ziti With Ground Beef Recipe
There’s something undeniably satisfying about Baked Ziti with Ground Beef. It combines a perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and aromas that warms the heart and soul. The layers of pasta and meat create a symphony of tastes, while the cheese adds a creamy dimension that elevates each bite.
What’s even better is how versatile this dish can be. You can adjust ingredients based on your pantry staples or dietary preferences, making it easy to customize for everyone in the family. Whether you’re a fan of Italian-style cuisines or just someone looking for a hearty meal, this baked ziti will not disappoint!
Furthermore, it’s an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. You can easily toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to give the dish an extra nutritional boost. With so many reasons to love it, Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients about Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
To prepare the perfect Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, gather the following ingredients. Each of these components plays a crucial role in delivering that authentic Italian flavor and comforting texture that you crave.
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/2 cup chopped pancetta
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, removed from casings)
- 1 cup white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups jarred marinara or pasta sauce
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
How to Make Baked Ziti With Ground Beef Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps to create a delicious Baked Ziti with Ground Beef that not only looks tempting but also tastes heavenly.
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your baked ziti will cook evenly and the cheese will become perfectly golden and bubbly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the ziti from sticking and makes for easier serving.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook until al dente, which typically takes around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the Pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped pancetta. Cook until crispy, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove it from the skillet and set aside, but keep the drippings in the pan for flavor.
Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep your dish from becoming too greasy.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the chopped garlic, minced basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
Combine with Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, and season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
Mix with Pasta: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the sauce, and the crispy pancetta. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Layer the Ingredients: In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta and cheeses.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After the time is up, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble to create that appetizing golden crust.
Let Rest: After removing the baked ziti from the oven, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
By following these steps, you have transformed simple ingredients into a sumptuous baked ziti that is ready to impress any guest or family member.
How to Serve Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
Serving your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is as important as preparing it. Presentation can elevate the enjoyment of this delightful dish. When you’re ready to indulge, use a spatula to cut out a generous portion and plate it, ensuring you capture some of that tantalizing melted cheese on top.
Baked Ziti pairs beautifully with a simple side salad—think of a fresh Caesar or mixed greens drizzled in a light vinaigrette. A slice of garlic bread is another classic companion that helps you soak up the remaining sauce on your plate.
You can also serve it alongside roasted or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. The colorful veggies can provide a refreshing crunch that complements the heartiness of the ziti. Lastly, don’t forget to sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil on top for an extra flair before serving.
Expert Tips: Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your baked ziti will largely depend on the quality of your ingredients. Use good quality pasta, meat, and marinara sauce to achieve the best taste.
Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Cheese is the star of this dish. Feel free to add more mozzarella and Parmesan for that extra creamy texture and flavor.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare Baked Ziti in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly to maintain freshness.
Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some vegetables, consider adding sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce. They will add flavor and nutrients without overwhelming the dish.
Experiment with Seasoning: Adjust the seasonings based on your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the red pepper flakes, or if you enjoy a kick, add more.
How to Store Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
Storing your leftover Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is simple. Once cooled, transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container. This meal can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. When you crave a comforting meal, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers. Be sure to label them with the date so you can keep track. When properly stored, the ziti can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variation of Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
While the traditional recipe has its charm, feel free to explore variations to suit your palate or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian take. Use ricotta cheese along with mozzarella for added creaminess.
Cheesy Alfredo Baked Ziti: Swap out marinara for Alfredo sauce for a creamy version of ziti. Combine it with sautéed garlic and spinach for a fresh twist.
Spicy Baked Ziti: If you enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or use a spicy marinara sauce. This will give your dish a delightful kick.
Meat Lover’s Baked Ziti: Combine different meats such as Italian sausage, ground beef, and even turkey or chicken for a meat-packed version.
Pesto Baked Ziti: Replace the marinara sauce with basil pesto for a fragrant option. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean flair.
FAQ about Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
What is Baked Ziti with Ground Beef?
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a hearty dish made with ziti pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes for a convenient meal option during busy days.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Baked Ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even shells.
How do I make the dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also incorporate ricotta cheese along with mozzarella for added creaminess.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- Kosher salt to taste
- ½ cup chopped pancetta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 cup white onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups jarred marinara or pasta sauce
- Black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti or penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside, keeping the drippings.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in marinara sauce and season with salt and black pepper. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sauce, and crispy pancetta. Stir until well mixed.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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