Description
Baked Ziti With Ground Beef is a cozy, family-friendly pasta casserole made with tender ziti, hearty meat sauce, and creamy layers of ricotta, sour cream, and melted cheese. This easy baked pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners when you want something filling and homemade.
Ingredients
Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
Description
Baked Ziti With Ground Beef is a cozy, family-friendly pasta casserole made with tender ziti, hearty meat sauce, and creamy layers of ricotta, sour cream, and melted cheese. This easy baked pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners when you want something filling and homemade.
Ingredients
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1 pound ziti pasta
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1 pound ground beef
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
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Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth.
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Layer half of the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
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Add the remaining pasta, then pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
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Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
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Cook pasta just to al dente so it doesn’t become too soft while baking.
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Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
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Drain the ground beef well to avoid excess grease.