baked ziti

Ingredients baked ziti

1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ziti noodles
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
1 jar (23.5 oz.) pasta sauce (could use equivalent amount homemade)
to taste salt and pepper
to taste Italian seasoning
to taste oregano
to taste basil
8 oz. ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
parsley (for garnish)

how to make baked ziti

Start a large pot of water heating on high for the pasta. Add a dash of salt and olive oil to the water. While waiting for that to reach a boil, heat 1 tbsp. olive oil over medium heat in a large pan/skillet. Add the onions to it and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook a minute more, until fragrant.

Once the water reaches a boil, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. In the pan with the onion and garlic, add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart as you cook. Drain out any excess fat. Once the noodles are done, drain them in a colander and set them aside.

Add the diced tomatoes, seasonings and sauce into the pan with the meat and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes or so, then remove from heat.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large (9"x 13") baking dish with foil or spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.

While the meat mix is simmering, in a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese.

Add the pasta to the large bowl with the cheese and mix together, then add the meat mix. Once all combined, pour into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese. Cover the top with foil.

Bake, covered, for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes. Refrigerate any leftovers.