Introduction
This delightful pasta dish combines tender ziti with a rich tomato sauce and savory ground meat, topped with melty cheese for a comforting meal that’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners. With a blend of spices and the option to add ricotta, this recipe is not only satisfying but also versatile.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
300g / 10oz ziti or penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
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 EACH dried basil, oregano, sugar
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)
SEASONINGS:
2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
1 tbsp paprika (plain or sweet)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper OR 3/4 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp EACH salt and black pepper
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Instructions
Cook ziti for the recommended cooking time on the packet MINUS 2 minutes. Drain, then return to pot.
Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
Make Sauce: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes or until onion is translucent.
Add meat and cook, breaking it up as you go. When it is just cooked, add Seasonings and cook for 2 minutes.
Add passata, water, basil, oregano, and sugar. Bring to simmer, reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste (remember it gets spread across lots of pasta).
Toss Ziti with Sauce: Pour about 2 cups of sauce into the pot with the ziti. Toss.
Assemble: Spread ziti into baking dish (23x33cm / 9×13″). Dollop with ricotta. Pour over remaining sauce. Top with cheese and parmesan.
Bake: Cover loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, bake further 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is golden.
Serve: Sprinkle with parsley or basil if desired, then serve!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook Pasta
Cook ziti for the recommended cooking time on the packet MINUS 2 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 180C/350F.
Make Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
Add Meat
Add the ground beef or pork to the skillet. Cook the meat, breaking it up as you go. Once it is just cooked, add the seasonings and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Incorporate Tomato Sauce
Add the tomato passata, water, dried basil, oregano, and sugar to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that this will be spread across the pasta.
Toss Ziti with Sauce
Pour about 2 cups of the sauce into the pot with the ziti. Toss the pasta until it is well coated with the sauce.
Assemble Dish
Spread the coated ziti into a baking dish measuring 23x33cm (9×13″). Dollop ricotta cheese on top, then pour over the remaining sauce. Finally, top with grated mozzarella cheese and optional parmesan.
Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve
Once baked, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley or basil if desired, then serve hot!
Notes
Note 1
For this recipe, you can use either ziti or penne pasta, depending on your preference.
Note 2
You can choose to use ground beef, ground pork, or a combination of both for your sauce.
Note 3
Tomato passata is a pureed tomato product that can be found in most grocery stores.
Note 4
Ricotta cheese is optional and can be left out if desired.
Note 5
Fennel seeds are also optional; they can add a nice flavor but can be omitted if you prefer. When cooking pasta, setting a timer for 2 minutes less than the package suggests will help it stay firm when baked.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
Cook ziti for the recommended time on the packet minus 2 minutes to ensure it remains firm after baking. Drain and return to the pot.
Making Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until the onion becomes translucent. Add ground beef or pork and break it apart as it cooks. Incorporate seasonings for added flavor, followed by the tomato passata and water. Simmer for a short while to combine the flavors.
Tossing Pasta with Sauce
Pour approximately 2 cups of sauce into the pot containing the cooked ziti. Toss well to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Assembling the Dish
Spread the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Add dollops of ricotta, pour over the remaining sauce, and top with grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Baking
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent excess browning. Bake in a preheated oven until heated through and the cheese has melted, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to achieve a golden top.
Garnishing
Before serving, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley or basil for an added touch of freshness.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ziti or penne with other pasta shapes, keeping in mind their cooking times may vary.
Is ricotta mandatory in this dish?
No, ricotta is optional. You can choose to omit it if you prefer a lighter dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance and assemble the dish when you’re ready to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this baked pasta dish?
Yes, the assembled dish can be frozen before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge the night before and bake as directed.
Conclusion
This delicious baked pasta dish combines the rich flavors of ground meat, a savory tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses to create a comforting meal that is sure to please everyone. Whether you choose to use ziti or penne, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted based on your preferences. Enjoy it hot from the oven for a hearty dinner or save some for leftovers to enjoy later.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Substitute the ground beef or pork with ground turkey for a lighter version.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Experiment with different cheeses—try goat cheese or fontina for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Incorporate different herbs like thyme or sage to enhance the aroma of the dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms and ensure the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Try using different types of pasta like rigatoni or farfalle for a fun presentation and texture.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Top with breadcrumbs before baking for an added crunchy texture.
