Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta

Description:

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta is a hearty, comforting Italian-American dish featuring al dente ziti pasta layered with a rich, meaty marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep, as it is easy to make and reheats well.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta & Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (16 oz) ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Assembly:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
   • Season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Make the Ricotta Mixture:

   • In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until well combined.

5. Assemble the Baked Ziti:

   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Add half of the cooked ziti pasta.
   • Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
   • Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer.
   • Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
   • Repeat layers: remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake the Dish:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.

7. Rest & Serve:

   • Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes & Tips:

• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for variety.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezing instructions: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Servings:

• Serves 6–8 people

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Fats: ~18g
• Fiber: ~4g
• Sugar: ~8g

(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portions used.)

Health Benefits of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta:

✔ Good source of protein from beef, ricotta, and mozzarella.
✔ Provides calcium for strong bones from cheese and dairy.
✔ Energy-boosting carbs from pasta for sustained energy.
✔ Tomato-based sauce is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health.
✔ Customizable—add veggies for fiber and vitamins.

Q&A:

❓ Can I use another type of pasta?
✅ Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or any tube-shaped pasta works well in this dish.

❓ How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?
✅ Make sure to use enough sauce, and cover with foil for the first part of baking to keep moisture locked in.

❓ Can I make this without ricotta cheese?
✅ Yes! Substitute with cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce for a creamy texture.

❓ How do I store leftovers?
✅ Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

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Would you like any modifications, such as a vegetarian version or a spicy twist? 😊