How to Make Baked Ziti with Ground Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat. This comfort food is a staple in many households, and for good reason – it’s a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and social gatherings. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to make baked ziti with ground beef. We’ll cover the ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods to ensure a mouth-watering and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- Olive oil, for greasing the baking dish
Preparing the Ground Beef
The first step in making baked ziti with ground beef is to prepare the ground beef. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the excess fat from the skillet.
Adding Aromatics
Once the ground beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, stirring occasionally. This will help to caramelize the onion and add a rich, depth of flavor to the dish.
Building the Casserole
Now it’s time to build the casserole. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
Assembling the Casserole
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange half of the ziti pasta on top of the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese on top of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, starting with the marinara sauce, ziti pasta, cheese mixture, and finally the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Adding a Crunchy Topping
To add a crunchy topping to the casserole, sprinkle a layer of chopped parsley and a pinch of salt and pepper on top of the cheese.
Baking the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the baking dish with olive oil and place the casserole in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Timing is Everything
When baking the casserole, it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature and cooking time. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, but not too brown. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil to prevent burning.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your baked ziti with ground beef:
- Add some heat: If you like a little spice, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture.
- Get creative with the cheese: Try using different types of cheese, such as ricotta, mozzarella, or Parmesan, to add unique flavors and textures.
- Add some texture: Sprinkle some chopped breadcrumbs or chopped fresh parsley on top of the casserole for added texture.
- Make it a meatball casserole: Add some homemade meatballs to the casserole for a hearty and satisfying twist.
Conclusion
Making baked ziti with ground beef is a straightforward process that requires some basic ingredients and a bit of preparation. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying casserole that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a social gathering, this classic Italian-American dish is sure to become a favorite.
Table: Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion | 1 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Parsley | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Ziti pasta | 12 ounces |
| Olive oil | For greasing the baking dish |
Summary
Here’s a summary of the article:
- Brown the ground beef and cook until it’s fully cooked
- Add aromatics to the skillet, such as onion and garlic
- Build the casserole by combining the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese
- Assemble the casserole in a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes
- Add a crunchy topping with chopped parsley and salt and pepper
- Timing is everything when baking the casserole
- Consider adding some heat, using different types of cheese, or adding some texture to the dish