Classic Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta(paid link)
• 1 lb ground beef(paid link)
• 1 medium onion(paid link)
• 3 cloves garlic(paid link)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes(paid link)
• 6 oz tomato paste(paid link)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese(paid link)
• 16 oz mozzarella cheese(paid link)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese(paid link)
• 1 large egg(paid link)
• 2 tbsp olive oil(paid link)
• 1 ½ tsp salt(paid link)
• ½ tsp black pepper(paid link)
• 1 tsp dried basil(paid link)
• 1 tsp dried oregano(paid link)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.

   5 min

3. 3

   Stir in minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   10 min

4. 4

   In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

5. 5

   In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Stir gently to combine.

6. 6

   Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.

7. 7

   Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.

8. 8

   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

   25 min

Perfect With