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Spinach and Beef Baked Ziti Casserole

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 Italian 🇮🇹American Low-CarbSugar-FreeHalal 🕌Comfort-Food

Spinach and Beef Baked Ziti Casserole layers tender pasta with rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and creamy ricotta, all blanketed in melty provolone and mozzarella. The spinach adds a fresh, mellow earthiness that balances the hearty cheese and meat. Serve it for a cozy family dinner or a casual potluck when you want comforting, crowd-pleasing flavors.

  • Prep20 mins
  • Cook1 hr 10 mins
  • Serves12
  • DifficultyMedium
Spinach and Beef Baked Ziti Casserole
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the ground beef, the onion, and 1/2 of the garlic in the hot skillet until the beef is browned and the onion is wilted, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.

  4. 4

    While the meat sauce simmers, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook, tossing occasionally, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.

  5. 5

    Combine the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and the wilted spinach in a large bowl until well mixed. Season with salt.

  6. 6

    Place 1/2 of the ziti in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and layer with 1/2 of the meat sauce. Lay the provolone cheese on top to make an even layer. Spread the spinach mixture over it, then cover with the remaining ziti and meat sauce. Top with 2 tablespoons Parmesan and sprinkle the mozzarella over the top.

  7. 7

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it firm up for at least 10 minutes before serving.