Introduction
Are you looking for a new and delicious dinner recipe to add to your rotation? Look no further than baked ziti with cottage cheese and beef! This dish is not only easy to make, but it's also filling and satisfying. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover pasta or ground beef you may have in your fridge.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make baked ziti with cottage cheese and beef:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Here's how to make baked ziti with cottage cheese and beef:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the pasta sauce to the skillet with the beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to customize your baked ziti with cottage cheese and beef:
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of ziti for a different texture.
- Try using a different type of cheese, such as ricotta or cheddar, instead of cottage cheese.
- Add some vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for an easy dinner during the week.
Conclusion
Baked ziti with cottage cheese and beef is a classic and comforting dish that's sure to please everyone at the dinner table. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and satisfying it can be?
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