Description
Baked ziti with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food that delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. This delightful dish features layers of tender penne pasta enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a blend of gooey cheeses. Ideal for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, you can whip up this hearty meal in under an hour. It’s not only budget-friendly but also highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the meat for a twist. Enjoy this cheesy, savory delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- garlic powder
- dried oregano
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (around 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (about 6-8 minutes), then drain excess fat. Add garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer half of the cooked pasta in a baking dish followed by half of the meat sauce, dollops of ricotta cheese, and one cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, mix fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. - Leftovers taste even better the next day; store in an airtight container. - You can freeze portions for later enjoyment.