The tantalizing aroma of bubbling cheese and savory ground beef fills the air as I prepare my favorite comfort food—baked ziti with ground halal beef. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the heart and brings everyone together. Each bite is cheesy goodness layered with robust sauce and perfectly cooked pasta that dances on your palate like a tiny Italian fiesta.
I remember the first time I made it for my friends during a movie marathon night. It was so cheesy and delicious that they kept asking for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths! Ever since then, it’s been my go-to dish for gatherings because who can resist that melty cheese topping? Whether it’s game night or a cozy family dinner, this baked ziti will make any occasion feel extra special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This baked ziti is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The explosion of flavors from the seasoned beef and tangy tomato sauce will leave you wanting more
- Visually appealing with layers of cheese and pasta, it’s perfect for impressing guests
- It’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your kitchen!
I once had my entire family over for dinner, and they were all raving about the baked ziti!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ziti Pasta: Use about 1 pound of ziti; it holds sauce beautifully and offers great texture.
- Ground Halal Beef: Opt for lean ground beef; it keeps the dish hearty without being too greasy.
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality jarred sauce works wonders here—look for one with natural ingredients.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; you can mix in an egg for extra creaminess if desired.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use about 2 cups to create that gooey top layer; who doesn’t love melted cheese?
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan elevates the flavor profile nicely.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Fresh herbs bring brightness to the dish; chop them up for garnishing before serving.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These add depth to the meat sauce—don’t skip them!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning—adjust according to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, get your favorite baking dish ready by greasing it lightly.
Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook ziti until al dente according to package instructions—this usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
Sauté the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground halal beef thoroughly until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce into the cooked meat. Let it simmer briefly until heated through.
Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with meat sauce mixture. Add ricotta cheese and half of shredded mozzarella; mix well.
Layer in Baking Dish: Pour half of the pasta mixture into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over it before layering again with remaining pasta mixture.
Add Toppings: Top generously with remaining shredded mozzarella cheese before covering loosely with foil—this prevents burning while allowing it to cook evenly.
Bake Until Golden: Place in preheated oven for 25 minutes covered. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—let those cheesy edges crisp up!
Once out of the oven, let your masterpiece rest for about five minutes (if you can resist!). Serve warm garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
This baked ziti is not just food; it’s love served on a plate—a delightful way to share joy among family and friends!
You Must Know
- Baked Ziti with Ground Halal Beef is comfort food at its finest
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, and the gooey cheese makes it irresistible
- Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family night, it’s a dish that always brings smiles and second helpings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground halal beef first, then cook the pasta while preparing the sauce to save time and enhance flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cheese for different varieties or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, let your sauce simmer longer
- Experimenting with spices can elevate your dish
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasonings according to your preference
The first time I made Baked Ziti with Ground Halal Beef for my friends, they couldn’t stop raving about it. It was a hit!
FAQ
Can I use other types of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for variety.
How do I prevent my pasta from being mushy?
Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
What cheese works best for baked ziti?
Mozzarella is classic, but mixing ricotta or provolone adds great flavor and creaminess.
Baked Ziti with Ground Halal Beef
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Baked Ziti with Ground Halal Beef is a cheesy, comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Perfect for family dinners, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground halal beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook ziti in boiling salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain.
- In a skillet, brown the ground halal beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce; simmer briefly.
- In a bowl, combine cooked pasta with meat sauce mixture and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in the greased baking dish; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Add remaining pasta mixture on top and cover generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, let the marinara sauce simmer longer before adding it to the meat. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and variety.