Description
This baked ziti casserole is cheesy, comforting, and easy to prepare with ground beef and marinara. It makes a family-friendly oven dinner everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 ounces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and garlic and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up the meat, until fully browned and no pink remains. Ground beef is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Spread half of the cooked ziti into the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta, then dollop and spread half of the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Leftovers store well refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian American