Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix until the pasta is well coated.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Notes
Can substitute Italian sausage for ground beef for extra flavor. For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or turkey and part-skim cheeses. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or mix in sauteed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. This dish gets even better the next day.
