Who doesn’t love pasta? It doesn’t matter what type – lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, macaroni and cheese – you name it, it’s delicious. One of our favorites is ziti bake and this traditional Italian recipe will now make its way to your kitchen thanks to this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 lb ziti
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 chopped medium onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 c fresh ricotta
- 1/2 c grated parmesan
- 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 c shredded mozzarella
Instructions:
- Set the oven to 350 F degrees and prepare a baking dish.
- Get a pot and fill it with water, add a little salt. When the water starts boiling, add the pasta.
- Cook it al dente, then remove the water.
- Heat the oil in a pan, and once hot cook the onion for 5 minutes. When the onion becomes soft, include the red pepper flakes and garlic.
- Cook for 1 more minute before adding the meat, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 6 more minutes.
- Add the oregano and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Include the crushed tomatoes, more salt, and pepper to the mix. Wait for the sauce to start simmering, and cook it for 15 to 20 minutes on low heat. When it’s done, add the basil.
- In a bowl combine the pasta, sauce, and ricotta. Add one half of the mix in the baking dish, top it off with mozzarella and parmesan. Add the rest of the pasta, then top it off again with mozzarella and parmesan.
- Cook the ziti for 20 to 25 minutes.
