One of my Mom’s favorite dishes is anything pasta!
She and I have discovered a yummy Baked Ziti that we love to share at a local favorite restaurant of ours.
So a couple of months ago, I set out to try and duplicate this delicious dish and I’m pretty sure it’s amazingly close!
My pictures of making the sauce are MIA…
so… Just follow the easy steps below in the recipe section above and set aside the sauce to cool…
Then let’s get started with the cheesy filling…combine the ricotta, mozzarella,Parmesan, egg …
Next add the cooled pasta sauce…
And gently stir in that amazing ziti…
In your 9×13 pan, layer 1/2 the noodle mixture, 1/2 the sauce, 1/2 the remaining mozzarella …
Repeat those yummy layers!!!
Bake on 375 degrees for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly….
Let stand 5-7 minutes before serving.
PrintLisa’s Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 cans 14.5 oz tomato sauce or your favorite Marinara Sauce
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 16 oz Ziti cooked and drained
- 15 oz Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
- 1 1/2 lb Mozzarella Cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 egg
- 8 oz pepperoni, diced
Instructions
Making the sauce:
Heat olive oil in your large pot over medium heat.
Add onions and garlic and sauté’ for several minutes until the onions are beginning to soften.
Add the Italian Sausage and ground beef and cook until browned; drain.
Add diced pepperoni, tomatoes, tomato sauce or marinara and spices; stir and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
Remove 3 cups of sauce to another bowl to cool down completely.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In separate large bowl, gently stir together ricotta cheese, 2 cups of grated Mozzarella, Parmesan, egg and salt and pepper.
Add the cooled pasta to this mixture and toss lightly to combine.
Pour in the cooled meat sauce next; toss to combine.
In your 9×13 dish, add half the pasta and spoon half the remaining sauce on top; add 1/2 remaining Mozzarella.
Repeat these same layers.
Bake 30 minutes until bubbly. Let stand 5-7 minutes before serving.