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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Imagine layers of ziti pasta, ground beef, and gooey mozzarella cheese all baked to perfection. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for leftovers, this casserole has you covered. Let’s dive into this delicious, cheesy goodness!
The name of the recipe: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ground beef mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need to Make This Delicious Casserole
Read more: Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make baked ziti with ground beef casserole
- Ground beef: Adds rich flavor and hearty texture, making the casserole filling and satisfying.
- Ziti pasta: Holds up well in baking, absorbing flavors from the sauce and cheese.
- Marinara sauce: Provides a tangy, savory base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top layer.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Enhances the dish with a nutty, salty kick.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs to infuse the casserole with classic Italian flavors.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
Essential Tools and Instruments for Preparation
- Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and simmering marinara sauce.
- Large pot: Needed to cook ziti pasta until al dente.
- Mixing bowl: Combines pasta, beef mixture, and cheeses evenly.
- Baking dish: Holds the ziti mixture for baking in the oven.
- Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
A hearty and delicious baked ziti casserole with ground beef, perfect for a family dinner.
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Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking Dish
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
Read more: Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ground beef mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
This baked ziti casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
Read more: Baked Bean and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
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Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook pasta and ground beef as directed.
- Mix all ingredients except mozzarella cheese.
- Store mixture in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- When ready, transfer to baking dish, top with cheese, and bake.
Freezing Instructions
- Prepare the recipe up to the baking step.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes if needed.
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce while it simmers.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work well as substitutes.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
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