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Cheesy Baked Ziti With Beef

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A comforting, easy-to-make Italian dinner featuring ground beef, ziti pasta, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for meal prep and feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb ziti or penne rigate pasta
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Olive oil (optional, if using leaner beef)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti for 1-2 minutes less than package directions (undercook slightly). Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat, leaving a little for richness.
  4. Add diced onion to the beef and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes to toast spices.
  6. Pour in tomato sauce, stir well, and let simmer on low heat.
  7. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and meat sauce. Toss to coat. Stir in half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese.
  8. Spread mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and optional extra Parmesan.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
  10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken.

Notes

Do not skip the resting time; it allows the cheese to set for cleaner scooping. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. This dish freezes well before baking for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, beef recipe, Italian dinner, comfort food, meal prep, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, family meals

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/cheesy-baked-ziti-with-beef-5-step-italian-dinner/