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Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sauce

A generous square serving of Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Sauce on a white plate.
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Follow these steps to make a hearty, classic Italian-American baked ziti featuring a rich ground beef sauce and multiple layers of cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix well.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, about two-thirds of the meat sauce, and half (2 cups) of the mozzarella cheese. Mix gently to coat the pasta.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
  9. Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella layer. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
  11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let the ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality crushed tomatoes.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, mix 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the ricotta mixture.
  • Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/cheesy-baked-ziti-with-ground-beef-and-sauce/