Meaty Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 2 teaspoons dried basil

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Baked Ziti:

  • 1 lb ziti or penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup fresh basil, chopped

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil leaves

  • Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

    • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

    • Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until softened.

    • Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.

    • Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  1. Cook the Pasta:

    • Cook the ziti or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  1. Assemble the Baked Ziti:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce.

    • In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper.

  1. Layering:

    • In a large baking dish, start by layering half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture.

    • Spoon half of the ricotta and cheese mixture over the pasta.

    • Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheese mixture.

  1. Bake:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

  1. Garnish and Serve:

    • Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

    • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.