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Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

This Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a comforting Italian-American casserole that layers al dente pasta with a flavorful meat sauce, crispy pancetta, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and great for make-ahead dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb ziti or penne pasta

Meat and Aromatics

  • ½ cup chopped pancetta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped white onion
  • 4 cloves chopped garlic

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 1 Tbsp fresh basil
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 4 cups marinara sauce

Cheese

  • 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti or penne pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, meaning it still has a firm bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
  2. Crisp Pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped pancetta. Cook until it becomes crispy and golden. Remove the pancetta from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Brown Ground Beef: In the same skillet with the pancetta fat, add the ground beef. Brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
  4. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped white onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent. Then stir in the chopped garlic, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add Marinara Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors can meld.
  6. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Pancetta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and crispy pancetta. Stir until evenly coated and mixed.
  7. Layer the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta mixture and cheeses to form two layers.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and blend flavors.
  9. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
  10. Rest Before Serving: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook during baking, preventing it from becoming mushy.
  • Seasoning the pasta water with salt enhances flavor before baking.
  • If the pasta mixture seems too dry before baking, stir in a little extra marinara sauce to achieve a moist casserole.
  • This baked ziti is ideal for making ahead of time; prepare it fully and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Keywords: Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, baked ziti recipe, ground beef pasta bake, Italian casserole

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/pioneer-woman-baked-ziti-with-ground-beef-recipe/