Description
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting Italian-American classic, combining tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This versatile recipe is perfect for family dinners, special gatherings, or any time you crave a satisfying meal. With its flavorful ingredients and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (24 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
For the Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in oregano, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the aromas.
- Add tomato sauce, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce is thick and bubbly.
- Assemble the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses, ensuring the top layer is generously covered with cheese.
- Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve
- Allow the baked ziti to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.