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Baked Ziti - Pasta Al Forno

Print Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 16 oz whole milk ricotta
  • 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Method
 

  1. Brown ground beef in olive oil. Add onions, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
  2. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer 30 minutes.
  3. Cook ziti until very al dente. Drain.
  4. Mix ricotta into the meat sauce, combine with pasta.
  5. Layer in baking dish with mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano.
  6. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is browned and bubbly.

Notes

Pro Tips:
Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat for the deepest, sweetest flavor—rushing this process will result in tough, stringy onions. Save some pasta cooking water before draining—the starch helps sauce cling to pasta and creates a silky texture.
Storage & Meal Prep:
Leftover Baked Ziti - Pasta Al Forno keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. This dish makes excellent meal prep—you can portion it out for quick lunches throughout the week.

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