Baked Ziti with Beef and Green Beans

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Ziti with Beef and Green Beans, a hearty twist on a classic pasta bake that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Featuring tender ziti pasta tossed with a rich, savory meat sauce packed with ground beef, fresh green beans, and a medley of Italian seasonings, this dish is layered with creamy ricotta cheese and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan for a perfectly golden, bubbly finish. The vibrant green beans add a delightful pop of freshness, making this baked ziti a balanced one-pan meal with a touch of elegance. Whether you're meal prepping or hosting a family dinner, this baked ziti recipe comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time and brings irresistible flavors and textures to the table. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an eye-catching garnish and savor every cheesy, hearty bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups green beans
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Stir in the green beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 7

Pour half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining ziti mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 9

Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2206.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2755.3

Total Fat 185.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 88.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 640.0mg	0%
Sodium 5640.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 93.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.2g	0%
Total Sugars 48.9g
Protein 184.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3221.6mg	0%
Iron 18.5mg	0%
Potassium 3892.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.0%

Protein: 26.5%

Carbs: 13.4%