Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet Recipe

Are you looking for a simple yet hearty recipe that satisfies both comfort food cravings and culinary flair? Look no further than this delicious Ziti Pasta Bake! Loaded with ground beef, melted mozzarella, and a burst of Italian-inspired flavors, this easy-to-follow dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe will help you whip up a fantastic meal in no time. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide that will turn your ziti pasta bake into a household favorite.

What is "Ziti Pasta Bake"?

"Ziti Pasta Bake" is a baked pasta dish that combines cooked ziti pasta with a savory meat sauce, a variety of herbs and spices, and a generous amount of cheese, typically mozzarella. The pasta is layered or mixed with the sauce, baked until bubbly and golden, and often garnished with fresh parsley. This dish is incredibly versatile—you can play around with the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. While traditional Ziti Pasta Bake features a tomato-based meat sauce, there are countless variations to explore.

Ingredients List for Ziti Pasta Bake

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let's take a closer look at the ingredients you'll need to create this savory baked ziti dish.

• 2 cups ziti pasta, cooked (See NOTES below for cooking tips)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 onion, chopped
• ½ cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Notes:
When cooking the ziti pasta, be sure to cook it "al dente" or slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft or mushy in the final dish. To achieve this, simply boil the pasta for about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions.

Substitutions and Variations for Ziti Pasta Bake

One of the best parts of making Ziti Pasta Bake is its flexibility. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider if you want to tweak the recipe:

• Meat Variations:
  Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage to change the flavor profile of your dish.
• Vegetarian Option:
  For a meatless version, omit the ground beef and add a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also substitute meat with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
• Cheese Variations:
  If you're not a fan of mozzarella, feel free to use other types of cheese such as provolone, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Spice Level:
  If you prefer less heat, simply leave out the red chili flakes. Alternatively, for extra heat, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect Ziti Pasta Bake:

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s ready when you finish preparing the pasta and sauce.
2. Cook the Ziti Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes (or follow the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
   Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
4. Add Flavor to the Meat
   Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red chili flakes (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Add the Tomato Paste and Onion
   Add the tomato paste and chopped onion to the skillet. Stir well to combine, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the onion to soften and the tomato paste to deepen in flavor.
6. Incorporate Fresh Parsley
   Stir in ½ cup of chopped parsley and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
7. Assemble the Ziti Bake
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Mix until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
8. Layer in the Baking Dish
   Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with golden spots on top.
10. Garnish and Serve
    Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.

How to Cook Ziti Pasta Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepping the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always helpful to chop, measure, and prepare everything beforehand to make the cooking process smoother.
2. Boiling the Pasta: Always salt your pasta water to season the pasta from the inside. Cook the ziti until it’s just underdone to avoid a mushy texture.
3. Cooking the Beef: Use a large skillet to brown the ground beef, ensuring you break it apart into small pieces for even cooking.
4. Assembling the Bake: When layering, ensure the pasta is evenly coated with sauce, and don't be afraid to be generous with the cheese!
5. Baking and Resting: Bake until the top cheese layer is golden and bubbly, then let the dish rest to allow the flavors to meld.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to undercook the pasta slightly since it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process, especially with the meat sauce.
• Using Too Much Sauce: While it might be tempting to drown the pasta in sauce, doing so can make the dish too watery. Keep a balance between pasta and sauce for the best results.
• Forgetting to Let the Dish Rest: Giving your baked ziti a few minutes to cool before serving allows the flavors to set and the cheese to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Ziti Pasta Bake can make all the difference in the world. Consider the following ideas to elevate the presentation:

• Individual Portions: Serve in single-serving ramekins for a restaurant-style experience.
• Garnish: A sprinkling of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil adds a finishing touch that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
• Sides: Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a warm, crusty garlic bread to complete the meal.

How to Serve Ziti Pasta Bake

• Family Style: For a casual family dinner, serve directly from the baking dish at the table.
• Buffet Style: For larger gatherings, scoop individual portions onto plates or into bowls, allowing guests to add extra cheese or sauce as desired.

Presentation Ideas for Ziti Pasta Bake

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
• Top with Extra Cheese: Sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an indulgent cheesy finish.

Ziti Pasta Bake Recipe Tips

• Cheese Melting: For an extra bubbly and golden top, place the dish under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Batch Cooking: You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply bake when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Ziti Pasta Bake?
Yes! Ziti Pasta Bake freezes well. Simply assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and bake as directed.

2. How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular ziti pasta with your favorite gluten-free version without any issues.

Conclusion

There you have it—a complete guide to making a mouth-watering Ziti Pasta Bake. This dish is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this ziti bake is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal! Happy cooking!

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