This is My "Biggles" (aka my big sister in my sorority) Baked Ziti! After eating it about a bagillion times at her house, I quickly learned how to make it so that I would never have to go without. Now, neither do you!
Yield: 8-10 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
I package penne pasta
1 jar your favorite marinara sauce
½ jar your favorite alfredo sauce
1 pound ground beef/turkey
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 8oz package Italian cheese blend
½ large onion, diced
½ red pepper, diced
¼ cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Italian parsley fresh, chopped
2 tablespoons thyme fresh, chopped
2 tablespoons basil fresh, chopped
4 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and Pepper
Preparation:
In an 8 quart pot bring the water to a boil. While the water is boiling I like to add oil and salt to prevent the pasta from sticking together as it boils. I usually use a flavored oil, or a flavored salt with the olive oil because I like the flavor it gives the pasta. After the water has come to a boil I add in the penne. I leave this on the stove to boil until it is Al dente. Remove the pasta from the stove, strain, and set to the side.
In a saucepan over medium heat add in the olive oil. After the pan is hot stir in the entire package of ground beef, red pepper, mushrooms, onions, garlic, parsley, thyme, basil. Leave on the heat until the beef is fully cooked
Now that the vegetables are sauteed, remove from the heat and toss in the pasta. As you toss in the pasta, spoon on the vegetables, ricotta, and sauces in layers. First meat, then ricotta, then Alfredo, and lastly marinara. Repeat these steps until all pasta is covered. Then sprinkle Italian cheese blend on top.
Cover with foil and place in the oven for 40 minutes. For the last 5 minutes, cook without the foil.
Let the Baked Ziti cool, and then serve! OR, if you're like me and have zero patience. Eat it right out of the pan!
