Classic Baked Ziti
May 24, 2022
I remember growing up we used to have Baked Ziti at least once a week. I mean it’s fulfilling, quick, and easy so I don’t blame momz for making this for the family. We never had any complaints! We were just grateful that we could come together and share another meal amongst each other.
That’s what’s so special about dinner time. Not only do you get a chance to refill yourself with another family favorite meal. However, you get a chance to refill with each other and enjoy the company of one another.
I think it’s safe to say that all of our family dynamics are different, but the dinner table is a place that brings us all together.
Next time you have a family dinner definitely give this recipe a try!
As always, until next time….Peace & Love Wade’s Cuisine Fam!
-Chef Wade
Ingredients
Ground Beef
Ground Hot Italian Sausage
Ziti Noodles
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
Granulated Sugar (2 teaspoons)
(1) 24oz can Roasted Garlic & Herb Tomato Sauce or Preferred Jarred Pasta Sauce
(1/2) cup of Diced Tomatoes
(2-3) Garlic Cloves (Diced)
(1/2) Sweet Onion (Diced)
(1) Green Bell Pepper (Diced)
(1) cup Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
(1) cup Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
(1) cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
(1) cup Cubed Mozzarella Cheese
(1/2) cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Fresh Chopped Parsley (Garnish)
Spices
(1 tbsp) Kosher Salt
(1 tbsp) Italian Seasoning
(1 tsp) Black Pepper
(1 tbsp) Garlic Powder
(1 tbsp) Onion Powder
(1 tsp) Cayenne Pepper
Instructions:
*Tip - Cook Ziti noodles Al Dente before getting started
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Then preheat skillet on Medium-High heat.
Add extra virgin olive oil along with diced onions, garlic, and green bell peppers to your skillet and saute for 1-2 minutes. Then add in ground beef and ground italian sausage and cook through until finished.
Add in diced tomatoes and your preferred pasta sauce.
Season your meat sauce with the “Spices” listed above. Along with the (2) teaspoons of Sugar. Stir to combine.
Taste, taste, taste…..adjust season if necessary.
Add the sauce to the pot with the drained Ziti noodles. Mix to combine.
Add your Ricotta Cheese, Cubed Mozzarella, half your Shredded Colby Jack and Shredded Mozzarella. Stir to combine.
Taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Add your Ziti to a casserole dish and top with your remaining cheese (including your Parmesan Cheese). Bake on 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
Garnish with fresh chopped Parsley (Optional).
Serve with some toasted garlic toast and enjoy!
