The Humpherys Family

Baked Ziti

Recipe Added:  12/5/2012
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole onion, diced
1 lb Italian sausage
1 lb ground beef
1 28-oz can diced tomatoes w/juice
2 14.5 oz cans tomato sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups Ziti, cooked, al dente
1 15 oz carton Ricotta cheese
1 1/2 lb Mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg
fresh minced parsley
Preheat oven to 375. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for several minutes until soft. Add Italian sausage and ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off fat, leaving a bit behind for flavor and moisture. Add tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer 25 to 30 minutes. After that time, remove 3 to 4 cups of the sauce to a different bowl to cool down.

In a separate bowl, mix together the Ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the grated Mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and salt and pepper. Stir together just a couple of times. Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Pour it into the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to slightly combine. Add the cooled meat sauce and toss to combine.

Add half the coated pasta to a large casserole dish or lasagna dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then top with half the remaining Mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of the coated pasta, the sauce, and the Mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbling. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
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