Steak & Three-Cheese Baked Ziti
This Steak & Three-Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty weeknight winner with juicy ground beef and layers of melty cheeses baked to perfection.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Reduce heat to medium, then stir marinara sauce into the browned beef. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Stir until well blended.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, then spread half of the beef and marinara mixture on top. Dollop half of the cheese mixture evenly over this layer. Repeat with the remaining pasta, beef sauce, and cheese mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly browned edges.
- Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for variations.
- Try adding seasonal veggies like peas, asparagus, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for best melting results.