Baked Ziti Meat Sauce
Baked Ziti Meat Sauce is a comforting Italian classic that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy cheeses—all baked to perfection. This dish not only fills your home with an irresistible aroma but also brings family and friends together for unforgettable meals. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, Baked Ziti Meat Sauce promises layers of flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, then add minced garlic until fragrant.
- Increase heat and add ground beef; cook until browned while breaking it into crumbles.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning; let simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt and pepper.
- Layer ziti pasta, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish until all ingredients are used.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let sit for five minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or incorporate veggies like bell peppers or spinach. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days; reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.