Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a hearty and cheesy recipe, which is made with savory pancetta and a rich marinara sauce. It’s the perfect hearty meal for feeding a crowd, ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
• Kosher salt
• ½ cup chopped Pancetta
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (removed from casings)
• 1 cup white onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cups jarred marinara or pasta sauce
• Black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese

How To Make Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

1. Prep and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until it is al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Meats: In a large skillet, cook the chopped pancetta over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the chopped garlic, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the prepared meat sauce, and the crispy pancetta. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture in an even layer.
7. Top and Bake: Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Brown and Rest: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• How do I prevent mushy pasta? The key is to slightly undercook the pasta. Cook it until it is “al dente,” meaning it’s tender but still has a firm bite. It will continue to cook in the oven, so this step prevents it from becoming too soft.
• How do I get the most flavorful sauce? Don’t skip the pancetta! The rendered fat from the pancetta adds a deep, savory flavor to the onions and beef. Also, letting the sauce simmer for a few minutes before assembling the casserole allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking it from cold.
• My casserole seems dry. What should I do? If your pasta mixture looks a little dry after mixing it with the sauce, simply stir in another 1/2 cup of marinara sauce before layering it in the baking dish.

What To Serve With Baked Ziti

This hearty, all-in-one casserole is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• A big loaf of crusty garlic bread.
• A simple Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with Italian dressing.
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.

How To Store Baked Ziti

Store: Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: For best results, reheat the ziti in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Baked Ziti Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 10g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Beef Tips And Gravy
• Pioneer Woman Beef Tips And Gravy
• Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole