Are you searching for a dinner that truly satisfies? In a world brimming with culinary choices, the yearning for a hearty, familiar, and incredibly comforting meal often leads us back to the classics. This Ground Beef Baked Ziti recipe is precisely that – a dish designed to be the centerpiece of a family dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, or simply a delightful way to treat yourself. Perfectly baked pasta, infused with the rich, savory notes of seasoned ground beef and enveloped in a luscious, cheesy embrace, this baked ziti promises a flavor experience that’s both simple and profoundly satisfying. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe is about accessible ingredients coming together to create pure, unadulterated comfort. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of delicious aromas and create a meal that will be requested again and again. Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience!

The magic of this Ground Beef Baked Ziti lies in its harmonious blend of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible, deeply satisfying flavor and texture. Let’s gather what you’ll need:

Compared to many other baked pasta recipes, this Ground Beef Baked Ziti strikes a great balance. While some ambitious casseroles can take hours, this recipe offers a weeknight-friendly turnaround without sacrificing flavor. The simmering time for the sauce allows flavors to deepen, and the baking time ensures everything is heated through and beautifully golden. This timeframe is quite standard for a hearty, layered baked pasta dish, making it achievable for most home cooks.

First things first, let’s get our oven ready to work its magic. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent any sticking nightmares later.

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your ziti and cook according to package directions, but aim for *al dente* – meaning it should still have a slight bite. We don’t want mushy pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta well and set aside. A little drizzle of olive oil can prevent it from clumping too much.

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease – we want flavor, not a greasy mess!

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until softened, about 5-7 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, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Pour in the water or beef broth, bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the flavors really meld and deepen into something spectacular.

Once the sauce has simmered and the pasta is cooked, it’s time to bring them together. In a large bowl (or directly in the pot if it’s large enough), combine the drained ziti with about two-thirds of your meat sauce. Toss gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that glorious, savory sauce.

In a separate medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you’re using fresh parsley, stir most of it in here, reserving a little for garnish. This ricotta mixture is our creamy, dreamy filling.

Spread half of the sauced pasta mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer, distributing it as evenly as you can. Spread the remaining sauced pasta evenly over the ricotta. Pour the remaining one-third of the meat sauce over the top, ensuring good coverage. Finally, sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire dish. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly). Bake for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. If you like a more golden-brown top, you can broil for 1-2 minutes, watching it closely to prevent burning. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will be intoxicating! Crucially, and this is important for a good texture, let the baked ziti rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to serve neat portions.

While precise nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving of this Ground Beef Baked Ziti offers a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and calcium. Expect approximately:

Note: This is an estimate. For exact calculations, use a nutritional analysis tool with your specific ingredients.

Love baked ziti but looking for lighter options? You can absolutely enjoy this comforting dish with a few smart swaps:

This hearty baked ziti is a meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to make it even more complete:

To ensure your Ground Beef Baked Ziti is a resounding success, steer clear of these common mistakes:

Leftovers are a gift! Store any remaining baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can:

There you have it – the ultimate Ground Beef Baked Ziti recipe, a dish that embodies comfort, flavor, and family. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, prepared with a little care, can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is designed to bring joy to your table. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding your favorite herbs or a dash more spice. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor every delicious, cheesy, meaty bite. We’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your photos and experiences in the comments below!