Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce Recipe

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce stands out as a classic favorite. This dish combines rich marinara sauce, extra-lean ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and layers of melted mozzarella for a satisfying, indulgent meal. The ziti pasta is perfectly baked to absorb all the savory flavors of the meat sauce, making every bite comforting and delicious.

Baked ziti is an Italian-American favorite that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. The combination of a flavorful meat sauce with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese makes this dish irresistible. It’s a one-pan meal that delivers bold flavors and the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to love Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The use of extra-lean ground beef makes it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor, while the ricotta cheese gives it a creamy texture that perfectly balances the hearty marinara and mozzarella.

This recipe is incredibly customizable. You can add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce, or even swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving it to a family of four or bringing it to a party, baked ziti is always a hit. The leftovers are even better the next day, making this an excellent meal for meal prep.

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Ingredients

For the Baked Ziti:

• Extra lean ground beef
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Prepared marinara sauce
• Ziti pasta
• Ricotta cheese (15-ounce container)
• Large egg
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Parsley
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

Variations

This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce recipe is versatile and can be customized in many ways:

• Meat Variations: If you prefer a different type of meat, ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be used instead of the beef for a different flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or a combination of all three. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute.
• Cheese Variations: While ricotta and mozzarella are classic choices, you can mix in other cheeses such as provolone or Parmesan for an extra flavor boost. For a richer, creamier texture, you can add a little bit of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage in place of regular ground beef.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the prepared marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta, and then top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

Repeat the layers: layer the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cook the Pasta Al Dente: To avoid overcooked, mushy pasta, be sure to cook the ziti al dente (firm to the bite) since it will continue to cook while baking.
• Drain Excess Fat: Be sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the sauce from being too greasy.
• Layer for Maximum Flavor: When assembling the ziti, make sure to spread the sauce evenly in between the layers for a balanced flavor and texture throughout.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil can be added on top after baking for an extra burst of flavor and color.

How to Serve

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or warm crusty bread for dipping
• Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or Brussels sprouts
• Sautéed spinach or a simple side of sautéed garlic broccoli

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

Baked ziti freezes well. After it’s fully assembled, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with foil and freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes if frozen, or 20-30 minutes if refrigerated.

Reheating

To reheat baked ziti, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while ziti is traditional, you can substitute it with penne or rigatoni if you prefer.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe for a lighter version.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground beef for sautéed vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

4. Can I add more vegetables to the meat sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce will elevate the dish even more, but store-bought sauce works just fine.

6. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

7. How long does this dish last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

8. Can I freeze Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce?

Yes, it freezes well. Just let it cool completely before freezing, and store it for up to 3 months.

9. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to add provolone or ricotta in addition to the mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor.

10. How do I reheat frozen baked ziti?

To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, or until the center is hot and bubbly.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a family-friendly, easy-to-make dish that combines the rich flavors of marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and an easy assembly process, you’ll have a comforting, cheesy meal that’s perfect for any time of year.

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