Description
A delicious baked ziti dish with layers of cheese and flavorful meat sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces Ziti Pasta
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 to 85/15)
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 24 ounces Passata (Tomato Sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Basil
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the ziti pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions for a firmer bite; drain and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm some oil. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes or until they become translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the herbs and passata, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes, adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Gently mix about 2 cups of the tomato sauce with the cooked ziti until fully coated.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer the sauced ziti, dollops of ricotta, and finish with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams