Ultimate Ground Beef Baked Ziti Recipe for Dinner

Are you searching for that perfect, crowd-pleasing dish that screams comfort and satisfaction? In a world buzzing with endless dinner options, finding a recipe that ticks all the boxes for deliciousness, simplicity, and family appeal can feel like a quest. The good news? Your search ends here with the Ultimate Ground Beef Baked Ziti. This isn’t just any baked ziti; it’s a symphony of tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and a generous blanket of melted mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, creating lasting memories around the dinner table. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen, the promise of cheesy, meaty goodness – this is comfort food at its finest, designed to be both easy to make and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re planning a cozy family night in or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is your foolproof ticket to a truly delicious and memorable meal.

Crafting the perfect Ground Beef Baked Ziti relies on quality ingredients that meld beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting classic to life:

Substitutions & Notes:

• For the Meat: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef. Italian sausage will add a spicier, more complex flavor.
• For the Tomatoes: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can pulse whole peeled tomatoes in a food processor or blender for a similar texture. A jarred marinara sauce can also be used as a shortcut, though you might want to add a bit more tomato paste for richness.
• For the Cheese: For an extra creamy ricotta layer, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream. If you’re not a fan of ricotta, a mixture of cottage cheese and a little cream cheese can be a substitute, though the flavor profile will differ. For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta.
• For the Pasta: Any short, tube-shaped pasta will work. The key is that the pasta is cooked slightly less than al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

This recipe is designed for efficiency, with a prep time of about 20 minutes and a cook time of approximately 45 minutes. The total time is just over an hour, making it a feasible weeknight meal, though impressive enough for weekend gatherings. On average, baked ziti recipes can range significantly, but this straightforward method ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, hearty meal. Compared to some more complex casseroles, this ground beef baked ziti is remarkably quick to assemble.

Let’s get started by browning that delicious ground beef. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat using a colander or by tilting the pan carefully. This step is crucial for a clean, meaty flavor base.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer it will become!

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions, but drain it 1-2 minutes shy of al dente. It should still have a slight bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix until well combined and creamy. This is your delightful cheesy layer! In a separate large bowl (or you can gently mix it into the pasta pot), combine the drained pasta with the meat sauce. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated in the rich, savory sauce.

Spread about half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, ensuring it’s spread out as much as possible. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, covering the entire surface. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the sauce is richly simmering around the edges. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving – this is crucial for the flavors to settle and the dish to hold its shape!

While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving (approx. 1/8th of the recipe) of this Ground Beef Baked Ziti generally includes:

Note: These are approximate values. For precise information, consult a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.

You can make this comforting dish a bit lighter without sacrificing too much flavor. Here are some simple swaps:

Baked ziti is wonderfully versatile. Serve it piping hot as a hearty main course alongside:

To ensure your baked ziti is perfect every time, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

Leftovers? Lucky you! Baked ziti stores beautifully:

There you have it – the Ultimate Ground Beef Baked Ziti recipe, a dish that perfectly balances hearty flavors with comforting textures. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a little care, can create something truly extraordinary. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a way to gather loved ones and share a moment of pure deliciousness. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and get ready to create a new family favorite. Don’t delay – make this incredible Ground Beef Baked Ziti tonight and taste the comfort!