Description

A simple and comforting baked ziti recipe made with pasta, marinara sauce, ground beef, and plenty of cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
3 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the meat sauce. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage.
Use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 75mg