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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Delicious Baked Ziti with Ground Beef for Cozy Family Nights

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Ziti Opt for Barilla for perfectly al dente texture.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 1.25 cups Ricotta Whole milk preferred.
  • 1.5 cups Mozzarella Consider part-skim for a lighter option.
  • 1.25 cups Parmesan Pecorino makes an excellent alternative.
For the Sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp Olive oil Essential for sautéing.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced, enhances aroma and flavor.
  • 1 large Onion Adds natural sweetness.
  • 1.25 lb Ground beef 85/15 recommended.
  • 28 oz Tomato passata Mutti preferred.
  • 3/4 cup Water Adjusts sauce consistency.
For the Seasoning
  • 1.5 tsp Basil Essential for herbaceous flavor.
  • 1.5 tsp Oregano Essential for herbaceous flavor.
  • 1.5 tsp Sugar Balances acidity.
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes Adds a kick of heat.
  • 2.5 tsp Fennel seeds Crushed, elevates flavor complexity.
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Boosts warmth and color.
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Adjust according to spice preference.
  • 2 tsp Onion powder Amplifies onion flavor.
  • 1.25 tsp Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1.25 tsp Black pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Dice one large onion and mince four cloves of garlic.
  2. Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion for about 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Add 1.25 pounds of ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart and cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  4. Mix in 1.5 teaspoons each of basil and oregano, then add 28 ounces of tomato passata and 3/4 cup of water.
  5. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of ziti for 2-3 minutes less than package directions.
  7. Combine the drained ziti with 2 cups of the meat sauce in a large mixing bowl.
  8. Transfer half of the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta.
  9. Top with the remaining ziti and pour the rest of the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
  11. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving, garnish with parsley or basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 760mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This baked ziti can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking to enhance flavors.

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