Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir to combine.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and the seasoned ground beef. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make it ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 20
Keywords: baked ziti, ground beef, ricotta, cheesy pasta, easy dinner