Grandmas Rockin Baked Ziti with Beef

Grandma's Rockin' Baked Ziti with Beef

Fancy some proper comfort food? Ever crave a dish that's like a warm hug? This baked ziti with ground beef is exactly that.

It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel all fuzzy inside.

What's the Deal with This Ziti?

Honestly, a good baked ziti recipe is a lifesaver. Think about it: a classic Italian pasta casserole, bubbling with cheese and a rich meat sauce.

This version uses ground beef, making it super satisfying. It's like a ground beef pasta bake dream come true. I'm going to show you a homemade baked ziti , the best!

This Italian pasta casserole is a real family favorite. It's said that it has roots in Southern Italy, becoming popular in Italian American communities.

It's a medium difficulty dish, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes total. This recipe makes enough to feed 8 to 10 hungry folks.

Perfect for that family get-together!

The Perks of This Pasta Bake

This classic baked ziti offers a good source of protein and carbohydrates for energy. Plus, it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It's perfect for potlucks, casual dinners, or even a comforting weeknight meal.

It also has some nutrients, in this case the main nutrients are the protein and carbohydrates. What makes this easy baked ziti so special? It's hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.

It's one of the best baked ziti recipe that I know.

Time to gather our bits, ready to make the best baked ziti recipe you've had!. The user is looking for a recipe that's easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Let's deliver!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's get down to brass tacks, yeah? For the best baked ziti with ground beef , you gotta have the right stuff.

It’s more than just throwing things together. It is about creating a comfort food pasta experience.

Main Ingredients: The Backbone of This Beauty

Okay, so here's the deal. This baked ziti recipe requires love... and precision.

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Good quality stuff. It makes a difference, trust me.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup (150g) .
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Roughly 2 teaspoons (6g) .
• Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds (680g) . An 80/20 blend is best. Trust me on this.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Only if you want a kick.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can.
• Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce / 170g) can.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Cuts the acidity.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g) . Whole milk or part skim, your call.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (30g) , grated.
• Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) . Optional, but delicious.
• Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (454g) . The star of our Italian pasta casserole .
• Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups (300g) , shredded.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup (25g) , chopped. For fancy garnish.

Remember that the quality of your ground beef determines the end result of your pasta bake with meat sauce . Don't skimp.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Literally!)

Oregano and basil are your best friends here. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a nice zing. If you don't have fresh garlic, a teaspoon of garlic powder will do in a pinch.

But honestly, fresh is always better. Want a richer flavor? A splash of balsamic vinegar in the sauce does wonders.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this easy baked ziti .

• Large pot: For boiling the pasta. Obvious, innit?
• Large skillet or Dutch oven: For the sauce.
• 9x13 inch baking dish: This is crucial!
• Mixing bowls: For mixing the cheese and sauce.

Don’t have a 9x13? A slightly smaller dish will work, but you might need to bake it a bit longer. Basically, any casserole dish will do.

Grandma's Rockin' Baked Ziti With Ground Beef (Because everyone thinks their grandma's is the best!)

Alright, let's talk comfort. This baked ziti recipe is like a warm hug on a plate. This ground beef pasta bake is perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd.

Tender ziti pasta bake layered in a rich sauce and cheesy goodness! Who can say no to that?

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Sorted!

Before you even think about turning on the stove, get your stuff together! It’s all about that essential mise en place.

Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and measure out your spices. Honestly, prepping everything first saves so much time. Trust me! If you got little helpers, maybe this is a great oppurtunity!

Essential mise en place, Time saving organization tips, Safety reminders (if applicable)

step-by-step: Let's Get Cookin'

This easy baked ziti is easier than you think!

1. Cook the ziti pasta 'til it's al dente. Don't overcook it or it will get mushy.
2. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic, then drain any extra grease. No one likes greasy pasta bake with meat sauce !
3. Stir in your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, spices, and sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes , stirring now and then.
4. Mix ricotta cheese with egg, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. This gives you that classic creamy taste.
5. Layer half the ziti in your dish, then ricotta, the rest of the ziti, and top it with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes . You want it bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before digging in. This helps it set up so it's easier to serve.

Numbered instructions (5-8 steps maximum), Visual cues for doneness, Critical temperature points

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Ziti Game

Want to take your homemade baked ziti to the next level? Here's what to do:

• Don't be shy with the cheese! Seriously, use the good stuff.
• Brown the ground beef properly. You want a good crust on it. It adds so much flavour to your best baked ziti recipe .
• This dish can be made ahead. Assemble it, cover it, and bake it when you're ready. Easy peasy .

2-3 expert techniques or shortcuts, Common mistakes to avoid, make-ahead options (if applicable)

There you have it, this Italian pasta casserole will become a new family favourite. Get ready to make some memories.

Happy cooking! This comfort food pasta dish really speaks to your soul, does it?

Recipe Notes for Your Baked Ziti Masterpiece

Alright, let's talk shop about this baked ziti with ground beef . It's way more than just tossing stuff in a pan! Honestly, it's about making memories.

My own memories involve a somewhat disastrous attempt at making this with my flatmates at Uni. The sauce was watery, the pasta mushy, and it was generally a culinary crime.

But hey, you live and learn, right?

Making it Look Good: Plating and Presentation Ideas

You know, presentation makes all the difference. Forget slapping it on a plate. A nice scoop, a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy, and maybe a drizzle of good olive oil can take your Italian pasta casserole from "meh" to "wow".

Serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets for a rustic touch.

As for sides, the ground beef pasta bake goes perfectly with some garlic bread. I like the crusty stuff, perfect for sopping up all that saucy goodness.

And a crisp green salad? Oh my gosh, perfection! A bit of refreshing acidity cuts through the richness. Also, don't forget the beverage.

A glass of red wine is the classic option.

Keepin' it Fresh: Storage Tips

Leftover homemade baked ziti ? Winning! Let it cool completely. Then, portion it into airtight containers.

In the fridge, it's good for about 3-4 days . For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months .

When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until bubbly.

Or, you can microwave it in a pinch.

Twist it Up: Variations

Want to change things up? Easy peasy! For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for some mushrooms and zucchini.

Works a treat. Or, for a lighter easy baked ziti , use part skim ricotta and mozzarella. A seasonal twist? Use roasted butternut squash puree in the ricotta mixture in the fall.

Delish!

The Good Stuff: Nutrition Basics

Okay, so this isn't exactly health food. But hey, it's comfort food pasta ! It's packed with protein from the beef and cheese.

Plus, you get some fiber from the tomatoes. Think of it as a balanced treat. Now, remember those numbers I threw out earlier? The classic baked ziti recipe nutritional information is just an estimate.

It totally depends on what you chuck in there.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to make this best baked ziti recipe your own. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! I promise, you'll knock 'em dead.