What is Your Favorite Way to Make Baked Pasta?
When I think of a Fall pasta, I think of baked pasta. It just makes you feel warm and cozy.
This Classic Hearty 3 Cheese Baked Ziti, is baked pasta at its finest. It’s made with Parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, with a hearty meat sauce.
Pair it with a nice red wine and it’s perfect for those chilly Fall evenings.
Classic Hearty 3 Cheese Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 fresh Basil leaves, sliced
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2-3 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Boil ziti pasta in a large pot of water. Drain and set aside. In a large pot or deep pan, over medium heat, add oil, garlic and onions. Cook until softened. Add ground beef. Cook, chop and stir until no longer pink. Drain off most of the liquid. Add sauce, tomato paste, seasonings and fresh Basil. Cook for 20 minutes on low to medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. In a casserole dish, add 1/2 cup of the sauce or until the bottom is covered. Add half of the pasta. Add half of the ricotta cheese in spoonfuls. Top with meat sauce, then half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat pasta, ricotta, sauce and mozzarella for a second layer. Add Parmesan on top. Cover with foil. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30-35 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese starts to brown. Serve with salad and garlic bread.
