Baked ziti is a cozy pasta dish that features layers of meat sauce, tender noodles and creamy ricotta cheese. This freezer-friendly recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Instructions
1
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Editor's Tip: Do not overcook the pasta. Use the low end of the pasta's recommended cooking time, since the noodles will cook a little more in the oven.
2
Brown the beef
3
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until no longer pink and drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce.
4
Make the cheese filling
5
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until blended.
6
Layer the ingredients
7
Spoon a third of the meat sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with half of the pasta mixture. Repeat layers. Top with the remaining meat sauce. Editor's Tip: Don't need to feed a crowd? Split the ingredients across two 8x8-in. or 9x9-in. baking dishes. Bake one for dinner tonight and freeze the other one for a future meal.
8
Bake the pasta
9
Cover and bake the ziti for 40 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 160°. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes longer, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
