Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Name: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Deutsch
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Olive oil; 1 lb (450g) Ground beef (85/15 lean); 1 medium Yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 (24-ounce) jar Marinara sauce (or homemade); 1/2 cup Beef broth; 1 tsp Dried oregano; 1/2 tsp Dried basil; Salt and black pepper To taste; 1 lb (450g) Ziti pasta; 15 oz (425g) Ricotta cheese; 1 large Egg; 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 2 tbsp Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Perfect for a hearty family dinner or feeding a crowd during a cold February night, this Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a layered masterpiece of flavor and texture. It combines tender ziti pasta with a robust beef and tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and generous layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a deeply satisfying dish that offers both warmth and deliciousness in every forkful.

speichern

Prep Time20 min

Cook Time45 min

Servings8 servings

DifficultyMedium

Equipment

9x13 inch baking dishLarge skillet or Dutch ovenLarge potMixing bowls

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, then stir in dried oregano and basil. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let the sauce cook gently for at least 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
While the sauce simmers, cook the ziti pasta according to package directions, but cook for 2 minutes less than al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain well.
4
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with about 3/4 of the meat sauce, tossing to coat evenly. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Cover with the remaining pasta mixture.
6
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top layer of pasta, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories610 kcal

Protein38g

Fat28g

Carbohydrates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or until heated through and bubbly.

What if I don't have ziti pasta?

You can substitute ziti with other tube-shaped pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even cavatappi. The key is a pasta shape that can hold the sauce well.

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Baked ziti freezes very well. Once completely cooled, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole (covered tightly with foil and then plastic wrap) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

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RECIPE BY

Leckere Rezepte

We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.