Baked Ziti

20 minutes Prep Time
45 minutes Cook Time
12 Servings

A Classic Italian American comfort food of pasta cooked with sausage, tomatoes and all kinds of gooey, yummy cheeses.

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta, cooked and drained
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 can Redpack® 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes in Puree
  • 1 can Redpack® 28 oz Diced Tomatoes Basil, Garlic & Oregano
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 (15 ounce) carton low fat ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh minced parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step one

Preheat oven to 375° F. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until softened, several minutes.

Step two

Add sausage and ground beef, cook until browned. Drain off excess fat.

Step three

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.

Step four

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.

Step five

Add half the coated pasta to a 9×13 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.

Step six

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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