Baked Ziti
20m
Prep Time
45m
Cook Time
12
Servings
A Classic Italian American comfort food of pasta cooked with sausage, tomatoes and all kinds of gooey, yummy cheeses. If you do not have Italian seasoning in the pantry, use 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil and ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
A Classic Italian American comfort food of pasta cooked with sausage, tomatoes and all kinds of gooey, yummy cheeses. If you do not have Italian seasoning in the pantry, use 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil and ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
Ingredients
COPY INGREDIENTS
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta, cooked and drained2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil3 cloves garlic, minced1 large onion, diced1 pound ground Italian sausage1 pound lean ground beef2 cans Red Gold® Crushed Tomatoes 15 oz or 1 can Red Gold® Crushed Tomatoes 28 oz2 cans Red Gold® Diced Tomatoes Basil, Garlic & Oregano 14.5 oz1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil2 teaspoons Italian seasoning1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes1 (15 ounce) carton low fat ricotta cheese3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese1 egg, beatenSalt and black pepper to tasteFresh minced parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° F. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until softened, several minutes.
- Add sausage and ground beef, cook until browned. Drain off excess fat.
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, basil, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes; stir to combine. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. After the cook time remove 3 to 4 cups of the sauce to a bowl to cool down.
- In a separate bowl combine ricotta cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt and black pepper. Stir together but do not mix completely. Add the pasta and toss slightly to combine. Add cooled meat sauce and toss to combine.
- Add half the coated pasta to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, and then top with half the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of coated pasta, sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle parsley over pasta before serving.
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