Cheesy Baked Ziti with Bacon and Ground Beef
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
1 pound (450g) ziti or rigatoni pasta
Salt, for the pasta water
For the Meat Sauce:
1 pound (450g) ground beef
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break the meat into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Assemble the Baked Ziti:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and half of the crispy bacon. If you like a creamier texture, you can also mix in the ricotta cheese at this stage.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish (9×13 inches or similar size).
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta.
Top with the remaining bacon pieces.
Bake the Dish:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden-brown spots.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve hot and enjoy!
