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Baked Ziti Bolognese

A quick and delicious meal featuring layers of cheesy goodness and a hearty meat sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef Or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
For the Ziti
  • 1 pound ziti pasta Can substitute with penne or rigatoni
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish Optional

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Making the Bolognese Sauce
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, mix the drained ziti with the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Combine well, then fold in the Bolognese sauce.
Baking the Dish
  1. Pour half of the ziti mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining sauce and the rest of the ziti. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the ziti for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving
  1. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can prep everything up to the baking stage and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Feel free to add extra vegetables for an additional nutritional kick.