Baked Ziti

• •8 oz ziti pasta
• •1 lb ground beef
• •1 tablespoon olive oil
• •1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• •3 garlic cloves, minced
• •28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• •6 oz can tomato paste
• •0.5 cup water or beef broth
• •1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• •0.3 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• •1.5 teaspoon salt
• •0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• •15 oz container whole milk ricotta cheese
• •1 large egg
• •0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, divided
• •2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
• •2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. 2

   Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente (it should still have a slight bite as it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain well and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

4. 4

   Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

5. 5

   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, water or beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. 6

   While the sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, large egg, 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

7. 7

   Assemble the Baked Ziti: Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

8. 8

   Add half of the cooked ziti evenly over the sauce layer.

9. 9

   Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ziti.

10. 10

    Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.

11. 11

    Add another layer of half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.

12. 12

    Top with the remaining ziti.

13. 13

    Dollop the remaining ricotta mixture over the ziti.

14. 14

    Pour the rest of the meat sauce evenly over the ricotta layer.

15. 15

    Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

16. 16

    Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

17. 17

    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted, lightly golden brown, and bubbly.

18. 18

    Let the Baked Ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for easier serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Do not overcook the pasta initially. It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb moisture from the sauce.
• 💡Drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning to prevent a greasy final dish.
• 💡For an extra rich flavor, use whole milk ricotta cheese. Some recipes add a touch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for an authentic Italian touch.
• 💡Allow the Baked Ziti to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve neat portions.
• 💡If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the tomato sauce.