Craveable Baked Ziti: Ultimate Comfort Food
Enjoy craveable baked ziti with ground meat and rich tomato passata for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 300 g / 10oz ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 500 g / 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 700 g / 24 oz tomato passata
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook ziti for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, return to pot.
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook for 2 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Add 500g ground meat; cook, breaking it up, until just browned. Stir in 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp sugar and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add 700g tomato passata and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour about 2 cups of sauce into the pot with the ziti. Toss well.
- Spread ziti mixture into a 23x33cm (9x13 inch) baking dish. Dollop with 1 cup ricotta cheese, then top with remaining sauce and 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese.
- Cover dish loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- For an even richer sauce, use a 50/50 mix of ground beef and pork.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, ensure your tomato passata is well-pureed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, ensure your tomato passata is well-pureed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.