Craving a comforting and hearty dish for dinner tonight? Look no further than this delicious Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta recipe! It’s the perfect combination of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella. Your taste buds will thank you!
## Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar of marinara sauce
– 15 oz ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish
## Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt and pepper.
6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.
## Nutrition Information:
– Calories: 500
– Total Fat: 22g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Cholesterol: 80mg
– Sodium: 600mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 45g
– Dietary Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 5g
– Protein: 28g
## Helpful tips:
1. You can add some Italian seasoning or dried herbs to the ricotta mixture for added flavor.
2. For a twist, try using ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
3. To make it vegetarian-friendly, you can omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
4. Don’t overcook the pasta before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
5. Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
6. You can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
7. To make it healthier, use whole wheat ziti pasta and low-fat ricotta cheese.
8. Serve the baked ziti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad.
9. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
10. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant.
## Expert Secrets:
1. Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile.
2. Be generous with the mozzarella cheese for that ooey-gooey texture everyone loves.
3. Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to settle.
4. Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or fontina for a unique spin.
5. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
6. Ensure the meat sauce is well-seasoned to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
7. Layer the ingredients evenly to distribute flavors throughout.
8. Opt for fresh basil instead of dried for a vibrant and fresh taste.
9. For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream or milk to the ricotta mixture.
10. Don’t skimp on the garlic and onions as they add depth to the dish.