Posted on: December 5, 2024
Ingredients:
1 lb. ziti pasta
1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz.) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375° F.
Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the ground beef or sausage until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and egg until smooth. Set aside.
Assemble the Bake:
- In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, then add another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
See this recipe and others from our 2024 Holiday Recipes list.
