Baked Ziti With Hamburger And Spaghetti Sauce
If you're looking for a hearty and delicious meal that's easy to make, look no further than baked ziti with hamburger and spaghetti sauce. This dish is a classic Italian-American favorite that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover spaghetti sauce and ground beef. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make this mouth-watering meal.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make baked ziti with hamburger and spaghetti sauce:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make baked ziti with hamburger and spaghetti sauce:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the jar of spaghetti sauce to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ground beef and spaghetti sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese mixture. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
Baked ziti with hamburger and spaghetti sauce is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef
- Add vegetables such as diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the ground beef and spaghetti sauce mixture
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or provolone
- Add a layer of sautéed spinach or kale between the pasta and cheese layers for an extra boost of nutrition
Conclusion
Baked ziti with hamburger and spaghetti sauce is a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying dish that your whole family will love. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover ingredients that you may already have on hand. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!