Nans Famous Baked Ziti with Beefy Goodness
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper comfort food pasta bake ? Remember Nan's cooking? This baked ziti with ground beef will take you right back.
The sauce is so rich and the cheese is chef's kiss .
Brief Overview
It's Italian American comfort at its finest. It's proper classic ziti with beef recipe . Easy to make (promise!) and takes about an hour. This recipe serves about 6-8 people.
Main Benefits
This hearty pasta bake recipe is pure joy. Plus, it’s got protein from the beef. This is perfect for a family gathering or a casual get-together.
Honestly, the best thing is seeing everyone tuck in with smiles.
What Makes This Ziti Amazing?
Here's the thing: there are a ton of baked ziti recipe easy versions out there. This one is special because it focuses on flavor.
We are browning the beef properly and not being stingy with the herbs. Plus, the cheese ratio is spot on.
Honestly, the first time I made this I was a bit nervous. My Nan’s best baked ziti recipe was always the star of family gatherings.
But trust me, even if you’re not a pro, you can nail this. The key is to take your time and enjoy the process.
It's perfect baked ziti for a crowd and freezes well.
Let's Talk Ingredients
Alright, let’s get into the ingredients for the ziti with meat sauce .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Ziti Party Started!
Okay, so we are making baked ziti with ground beef . It’s proper comfort food. The kind of dish that just screams "Sunday Dinner".
Nan used to make this. Honestly, it is easier than you think! Let's gather our bits and pieces.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Right then, for the ziti with meat sauce , here's what you'll need. Don't skimp, yeah?
Meat Sauce Time :
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Proper olive oil!
- Onion: 1 medium (chopped, about 1 cup or 150g). Get a good one. A small yellow will do.
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced). Smell is king.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . 20% fat or less is ideal.
- Dried Oregano: 1 tsp . Essential.
- Dried Basil: 1/2 tsp . Adds warmth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional). Kick it up a notch.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28oz/800g) . San Marzano if you're feeling fancy.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15oz/425g) . The smooth kind.
- Beef Broth/Water: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Just enough.
- Salt: 1 tsp .
- Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp . Freshly ground is best.
- Tomato Paste: 1tbsp .
Cheese Mixture Goodness :
- Ricotta Cheese: 15oz (425g) . Whole milk, always.
- Egg: 1 large . Lightly beaten.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) . Grated.
- Salt: 1/4 tsp .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp .
Pasta and Topping Must Haves :
- Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Can't have baked ziti recipe easy without it!
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (225g) . Shredded.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bomb!
So, the spice combo is key. Oregano and basil are the MVPs here. Don't forget the garlic. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a lovely warmth.
For substitutions? If you're out of basil, a little Italian seasoning will do the trick. Honestly, it works wonders.
Equipment Needed: No Need for Fancy Gadgets
Listen, you don't need a Michelin star kitchen for this. Here's what you'll actually use:
- Large Pot (or Dutch oven).
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish.
- Large Bowl.
- Colander.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons.
See? Nothing too scary. You probably have all of that already! Now you are ready to create the Best Baked Ziti Recipe ever!
Cooking Method: The Secret to Perfect Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Oh my gosh, who doesn't love baked ziti with ground beef ? Honestly, it's the ultimate comfort food. It brings me right back to my Nan's kitchen.
I wanna share my not-so-secret method for making this classic dish absolutely banging. This isn't just any ziti with meat sauce , this is the best.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your stuff together. Chop your onion, mince your garlic. Measure out your spices.
It seems tedious, I know. But it's makes life so much easier. It's essential mise en place. Trust me. This method is the basis of making that easy baked ziti with ground beef .
step-by-step: From Chaos to Casserole
Alright, here’s the lowdown.
- Cook the ziti until just al dente. Nobody wants mushy pasta.
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot. Drain the fat. Seriously, drain it.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the pot with beef.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes , sauce, broth, paste, and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes .
- Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan , salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
- Layer pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture in a 9x13 baking dish, topping with mozzarella.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly and golden.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Ziti Game
Don't overcook your pasta. Undercook it slightly. It continues cooking in the oven. This is a key detail to achieve the best baked ziti recipe .
Want to make-ahead? Assemble everything except the mozzarella. Cover and refrigerate. Add mozzarella just before baking. I do this all the time.
Especially if I'm making baked ziti for a crowd .
One common mistake? Skimping on the cheese. Don't do it. The cheese is the best part. This is how you achieve classic ziti with beef recipe .
So there you have it. My tried and-true method for hearty pasta bake recipe . This is comfort food pasta bake at its finest.
Honestly, this is a great italian ground beef casserole . Enjoy this dish and get ready to become the pasta star of your family!.
Recipe Notes for Baked Ziti With Ground Beef
Alright, so you're about to make baked ziti with ground beef ! Ace. But before you dive headfirst into a mountain of cheese and pasta, let's chat about a few things.
Think of these as little whispers from your friendly neighbourhood foodie. "Easy Baked Ziti With Ground Beef " is what it should be!
Serving Like a Pro
Presentation is everything, right? Not really, it's taste, but it still matters! For your comfort food pasta bake , think rustic.
Serve it straight from the baking dish, family style. A sprinkle of fresh parsley will make your Italian Ground Beef Casserole a winner! Maybe offer some garlic bread on the side to mop up the glorious sauce.
And a simple green salad? Boom, balanced meal. Honestly, sometimes all you need is a big fork and zero regrets.
A good Chianti wouldn’t go amiss either!
Storage Secrets
Leftover Classic Ziti with Beef Recipe ? Lucky you! If you've got some leftover Nan's Famous Baked Ziti , don't fret.
Cover it tightly and stick it in the fridge. It'll be good for 3-4 days . Reheating? Microwave works, but oven’s best.
Tent it with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Freezing is an option too! Cut into portions, wrap well, and freeze.
Defrost fully before reheating and get ready for an awesome “ Hearty Pasta Bake Recipe ”.
Mix It Up
Want to tweak this best baked ziti recipe ? Go for it! For a veggie option, chuck in some roasted veggies instead of the beef.
Mushrooms and courgettes are amazing. Want a bit more heat? A pinch more red pepper flakes does the trick. Using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter bake also works! I tried that once, and my mate didn't even notice.
Seriously !
Nutrition Nuggets
Right, let’s talk about numbers. I'm no nutritionist, but this baked ziti for a crowd is packed with protein from the beef and cheese.
It's got carbs for energy from the pasta. It does have a fair bit of fat. One serving is around 550-650 calories .
Honestly, who's counting, though? Just enjoy this ziti with meat sauce !
So, there you have it. My little nuggets of wisdom to make your baked ziti with ground beef experience even better.
Now go forth and bake! I can't wait to hear how it turns out. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti with ground beef ahead of time? You know, like a proper batch cook?
Absolutely! Baked ziti with ground beef is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Just think of it like your own personal ready meal, but way better!
My sauce always seems a bit bland. How can I boost the flavor of my baked ziti with ground beef?
Flavour town, here we come! A couple of tricks can really amp up your sauce. First, make sure you're browning the beef well that creates delicious fond (the browned bits at the bottom of the pan) that adds depth. Secondly, don't be shy with the herbs and spices.
A pinch of sugar can also balance the acidity of the tomatoes. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can add a savory umami flavour too!
Can I freeze baked ziti with ground beef, and if so, what's the best way to do it?
Yes, you definitely can! To freeze, let the baked ziti with ground beef cool completely. Cut it into individual portions or freeze the whole dish. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in a freezer safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese in this baked ziti recipe? I'm all out!
No ricotta? No worries! Cottage cheese is a decent substitute, but drain it well first to remove excess moisture. Mascarpone cheese will give you a richer, creamier texture, or you could even use a béchamel sauce for a lighter alternative. It's all about adapting and making it your own, innit?
I want to make a healthier version of baked ziti with ground beef. Any tips?
You can lighten it up without sacrificing flavour! Use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. Sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like spinach or zucchini into the sauce. Using part skim mozzarella and ricotta can also cut down on fat.
You could also reduce the amount of cheese overall and focus on a rich, flavourful sauce. Every little helps!
Help! My baked ziti is watery. How can I prevent this from happening?
Nobody wants a soggy ziti! Make sure you drain the cooked pasta really well. Also, avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will release more starch and water during baking. If your ricotta seems watery, drain it in a cheesecloth lined sieve before using.
You could also try simmering the sauce for a bit longer to reduce excess liquid. A little tip is to add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce for added thickness.
Nans Famous Baked Ziti With Beefy Goodness
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
