Easy & Affordable Baked Ziti Recipe with Ground Beef | Mt. Folly 

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When you need a hearty, family-friendly dinner that won't break the bank, nothing hits the spot quite like a classic Baked Ziti. Rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together easily on a busy weeknight.

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Great comfort food starts with exceptional ingredients. By featuring premium Mt. Folly ground beef in your homemade meat sauce, you are doing more than just feeding your family a delicious meal. You are actively supporting regenerative agriculture and championing transparency in our regional food system. It’s a win for your dinner table and a win for the land.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti

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• Family-Friendly: A universally loved, comforting pasta bake that appeals to picky eaters and foodies alike.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, accessible pantry staples that yield plenty of servings.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers heat up beautifully, making it a great option for next-day lunches.

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Ingredients (Serves 6)

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• 1 lb Mt. Folly Ground Beef
• ⅓ cup Olive Oil
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 medium Onions, diced
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• 1 bundle Fresh Basil
• 2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 2 tsp Chili Powder
• ½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper
• 1 jar/can Marinara Sauce
• 16 oz Ziti Dry Pasta
• 16 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (to taste)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Sauté the Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are softened and slightly translucent.

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2. Brown the Beef & Spice it Up

Add the Mt. Folly ground beef along with the salt, break the meat up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Once the ground beef is almost completely brown, add the remaining spices (black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, chili powder, and crushed red pepper).  Continue cooking until the beef is evenly browned.

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3. Simmer the Sauce

Stir your favorite marinara sauce into the pot with the browned beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer so the flavors can meld.

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4. Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the dry ziti pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. Strain well once al dente.

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5. Combine

Carefully fold the cooked pasta into your simmering meat sauce, stirring gently until the pasta is evenly coated.

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6. Layer and Bake

Transfer half of the pasta-meat mixture into an oven-safe baking dish of adequate size. Spread an even layer using half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, and finish with a final, generous layer of the remaining cheeses.

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7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden brown. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil!

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Where to Buy Mt. Folly Ground Beef

We believe in the power of a strong, transparent regional food system, and bringing the authentic taste of Mt. Folly to your kitchen is easier than ever. You can find Mt. Folly ground beef in grocery stores!

Ready to make this delicious Baked Ziti? Find a grocery store near you and learn more about our commitment to regenerative agriculture.

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