Description
A classic Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring tender ziti pasta combined with a rich meat and tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 300g / 10oz ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion (brown, white, or yellow), finely chopped
- 500g / 1 lb ground beef or pork (or 50/50 combo)
- 700g / 24 oz tomato passata (pureed tomato)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp paprika (plain or sweet)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or 3/4 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta (optional)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (or other melting cheese)
- 1 cup parmesan, freshly grated (optional)
- Finely chopped parsley or basil (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti according to the package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. Drain well and return the pasta to the pot to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or pork to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it is just done. Then, add the paprika, cayenne pepper or chili flakes, fennel seeds (if using), onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the seasoning with the meat for about 2 minutes to develop their flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the tomato passata, water, dried basil, oregano, and sugar. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Pour approximately 2 cups of the sauce into the pot with the cooked ziti. Toss well so the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful meat sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the sauced pasta to a 23x33cm (9×13 inch) baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Dollop the ricotta cheese over the pasta in spoonfuls, then pour the remaining sauce over. Finally, sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herbal finish. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting baked pasta dish!
Notes
- Note 1: Use ziti or penne pasta as they hold sauce well due to their tube shape.
- Note 2: You can use only ground beef, pork, or a mix for richer flavor.
- Note 3: Tomato passata provides a smooth and fresh tomato flavor; canned tomatoes can be used if unavailable.
- Note 4: Ricotta cheese adds creaminess but is optional.
- Note 5: Reducing the pasta cooking time helps prevent overcooking during baking, and fennel seeds add a subtle licorice flavor but can be omitted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked ziti, pasta bake, Italian pasta, comfort food, baked pasta recipe, cheesy pasta, tomato sauce pasta, family dinner
