Three Cheese Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ziti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook ziti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and sausage, cook until browned.
4. 4 Stir in garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. 5 In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan into the cooked ziti.
6. 6 Pour a layer of meat sauce into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with ziti mixture, then remaining sauce.
7. 7 Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. 8 Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. 9 Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Colander

Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.

Substitutions

• If ricotta isn't available, use an equal amount of cottage cheese for a tangier flavor.

Pairings

• Pairs well with a robust red wine like Chianti or a simple green salad.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, brown the meat the day before and refrigerate overnight with the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or warm garlic bread.

FAQ