Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- • 450 g ziti pasta
- • 450 g ground beef
- • 225 g Italian sausage
- • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- • 4 cloves garlic, minced
- • 800 g crushed tomatoes
- • 85 g tomato paste
- • 2 tsp dried basil
- • 1 tsp dried oregano
- • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- • 425 g ricotta cheese
- • 1 item egg
- • 30 g fresh parsley, chopped
- • 340 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- • 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- • 15 ml olive oil
- • 1 sprinkle salt to taste
- • 1 sprinkle black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- 2
Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package suggests). Drain and set aside.
- 3
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- 4
Add the diced onion to the meat and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- 8
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- 9
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- 10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- 11
Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to portion.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition data is approximate and derived from OpenFoodFacts.org. Values may vary based on ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. Not intended as dietary or medical advice.
Chef's Note
"This crowd-pleasing baked ziti is perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck—the combination of three cheeses with savory meat sauce creates comfort food at its finest, and it reheats beautifully for easy leftovers throughout the week."
