If there is anything that I’ve been craving this pregnancy it’s pasta.
All kinds of pasta. Penne ala Vodka, Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo and of course Baked Ziti!
It had been a while since I had Baked Ziti when the craving struck. And once it struck there was no stopping it. I made a HUGE batch of tomato sauce and used it to make Baked Ziti and Lasagna. I plan on making another batch soon and freezing it for quick meals once baby comes.
Baked Ziti is one of the easiest meals ever to make but it does take a little time since you have to bake everything for about 45 minutes but it’s worth every minute.
Start off by cooking 1lb of Ziti according to package directions. You’ll want to follow the “al dente” directions so that it doesn’t get extra soggy in the oven. While the pasta is cooking dice 1 small onion and 5 cloves of fresh garlic.
In a large skillet cook 1 small onion and 4 cloves of garlic until translucent, then add approximately 1lb of ground beef.
While the beef is cooking check on the pasta, it should be about done at this point. When it’s done, drain and set aside in a large 9×13 glass dish.
Once the beef is finished cooking drain and set aside. In a large bowl combine 1 1/2 cups homemade pasta sauce, 16oz Ricotta cheese, 8oz Mozzarella Cheese, 8oz Parmesan Cheese and 2 eggs (beaten).
Then add the meat. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Pour the meat and cheese mixture onto the pasta and mix. Then use about a 1/2 a cup of sauce and pour over the top. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on there too if you still have some left 🙂
Then add 8oz of Mozzarella cheese to the top (I told you this was going to be cheesy!)
Bake for about 45 minutes or until everything is hot, melted and bubbly at 350.
Writing this just made me crave Baked Ziti again.
Ingredients
Directions
- Cook 1lb of Ziti al dente according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking dice 1 small onion and 4 cloves of fresh garlic.
- In a large skillet cook 1 small onion and 4 cloves of garlic until translucent, then add approximately 1lb of ground beef.
- While the beef is cooking check on the pasta, it should be about done at this point. When it’s done, drain and set aside in a large 9x13 glass dish.
- Once the beef is finished cooking drain and set aside. In a large bowl combine 1 1/2 cups homemade pasta sauce, 16oz Ricotta cheese, 8oz Mozzarella Cheese, 8oz Parmesan Cheese and 2 eggs (beaten).
- Add the meat into the cheese mixture and combine until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the meat and cheese mixture onto the pasta and mix.
- Then use about a 1/2 a cup of sauce and pour over the top. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top and then 8oz of shredded Mozzarella cheese to the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until everything is hot, melted and bubbly at 350.
- Enjoy!
thanks for the recipe. I love trying new dishes
xo
This recipe looks delicious. I would have try this for dinner. Thanks!
I LOVE this recipe and will never look for another one!! I was specifically looking for one that used both ground beef and ricotta. This is SO delicious and makes a ton!! It feeds our family of 4 (which includes a 3 and 1 year old but they eat a lot!) for 2 nights plus additional lunches for the kids. I even double it and freeze the other. My whole family loves it – thanks!!
I’m so glad you liked it! It does make a ton. We’re a family of 4 also and we always have a ton left over, I’m from a family of nine so I can’t help but cook for an army!