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Up close image of a simple baked ziti. There is a wooden spoon scooped into the center of the pasta dish and it's garnished with fresh basil.
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe with Ground Beef

This easy baked ziti recipe is a simple, cheesy pasta dinner made with ground beef, tomato basil pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, ricotta, and mozzarella. It's filling, family-friendly, and easy to make with simple ingredients, making it a great option when you want a comforting dinner without a lot of fuss.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Katie Youngs

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces ziti noodles dry, uncooked
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
  • 24 ounce jar tomato basil pasta sauce
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven and cook the pasta. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the ziti noodles according to the package instructions, until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). The pasta will cook while you prepare the meat sauce. When the pasta is done cooking, drain it and return it to the pot it was cooked in.
  • Brown the ground beef. While the pasta is cooking, preheat a large, deep-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. You don't need to add oil to the pan because the beef will release enough fat as it browns. Break the beef into crumbles with a spatula and cook for about 5 minutes, or until no pink remains. Carefully drain any excess fat before continuing with the meat sauce.
  • Season the beef. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
  • Make the meat sauce. Add the tomato basil pasta sauce and undrained petite diced tomatoes to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine, then partially cover the skillet with a lid. Let the meat sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and slightly thickened.
  • Combine the pasta, sauce, and ricotta. Add the meat sauce and ricotta to the cooked and drained pasta, and stir until everything is well combined.
  • Assemble the baked ziti. Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish that holds at least 2 quarts, a 9x13-inch dish works well. Spread the pasta into an even layer and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
  • Bake and serve. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are hot and bubbly. Let the baked ziti cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.

Nutrition

Calories: 531kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 1005mg | Potassium: 744mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 810IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 262mg | Iron: 4mg

Find it online at sugarandsnappeas.com!