Baked Ziti

10 minutes Prep Time
45 minutes Cook Time
6 Servings

This Baked Ziti is the ultimate cozy pasta dish, layered with creamy béchamel, rich meat sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella. Made with Tuttorosso San Marzano Style Hand Crushed Tomatoes, the sauce has a bright, balanced flavor that ties everything together beautifully. Perfect for a chilly evening or a casual dinner with friends, this classic Italian comfort meal is always a hit. @Kirkscookingandcocktails @thefeedfeed

Ingredients

  • FOR THE MEAT SAUCE
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 1 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 can Tuttorosso San Marzano Style Hand Crushed Tomatoes in Puree with Basil & Sea Salt 28 oz

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • FOR THE BECHAMEL
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • FOR THE PASTA
  • 12 ounces ziti, penne, or other short pasta
  • Salted water
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping

Instructions

Step one

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook one minute less than the package instructions.

Step two

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 1 minute, then add the garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking into chunks as it cooks. Drain excess fat if desired.

Step three

Stir in the Tuttorosso San Marzano Hand Crushed Tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over low heat while you prepare the béchamel.

Step four

In the same pot used for the pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Season with salt and nutmeg. Once thickened, stir in the cooked pasta to coat.

Step five

Pour the pasta into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella.

Step six

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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