BEST EVER BAKED ZITI

This Best Ever Baked Ziti came from a good family friend who we finally convinced to share the recipe after years of enjoying it. It is the ultimate comfort food for the cold months and family get-togethers with lots of people, not just because it’s a crowd pleaser, but because it is a huge amount of food. When the temperature starts to drop this is a favorite of mine to make because it warms the house and it smells amazing while cooking. This isn’t a quick recipe, I personally love to slow down and take my time preparing a delicious meal when I have the chance (which doesn’t happen very often!).

I hope you like what we believe is the best ever Baked Ziti” and please share your thoughts in the comments below if you make it! I hope this brings a little warmth and comfort to your kitchen and soul.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

3 Cloves of Garlic, minced

1 Large Yellow onion, diced

1lb Ground Beef

1lb Italian Sausage

2 14.5oz Cans of Tomato Sauce

1 28oz Can of Diced Tomatoes (w/ juice)

2 Tsp Italian Seasoning

½ Tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Salt and Pepper to Taste

1lb of Ziti (Penne works too)

1 ½lbs of Mozzarella, grated

1 15oz Tub of whole-milk ricotta

½ Cup of Grated Parmesan

2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

2 eggs

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat

2. Add the garlic and onions and sauté until starting to soften, roughly 3-4 minutes

3. Add the ground beef and sausage and cook until browned

4. Drain off almost all the fat, leaving a bit behind for flavor and moisture

5. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, rep pepper, and salt and pepper

6. Stir, and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 25-30 minutes

7. Preheat the oven to 375

8. Remove 3-4 cups of the cooked sauce to a bowl and cool down

9. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add some salt. Cook the ziti until not quite al dente.

10. In a bowl, mix 1 cups of grated mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, parsley, eggs, and salt and pepper. Stir together, but do not mix completely.

11. Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop from cooking and to cool it down quickly. Pour pasta into the cheese mixture and toss slightly, leaving large lumps.

12. Add the cool reserved meat sauce to the pasta and cheese mixture.

13. Coat a large casserole or lasagna dish with non-stick spray.

14. Add half the pasta and cheese mixture to the dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top and top with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese.

15. Repeat with another layer of remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.

16. Bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbling.

17. Let stand for at least 5 minutes before serving.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and I would love to hear your thoughts! Know someone else who would love our Best Ever Baked Ziti? Share and save this post on Pinterest so you can find it next time you are looking for a bowl full of happiness! Don’t forget to follow us and take a look around the blog for other delicious recipes and family fun.