Nonna's Ziti al Forno-Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Savoring Italy

Ziti al Forno-Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a favorite recipe for the holidays or even just for an Italian Sunday with family. This is nonna's recipe and it's baked until it’s a cheesy and bubbly perfection. The ultimate Italian comfort food dish!

Prep Time: 15 min

For the Meat Sauce: – 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – ¼ cup of onion chopped you can use sweet onion or yellow onion – 2 stalks celery diced – 2 carrot diced – 2 cloves garlic minced – 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef you could do a mixture of pork/beef or however you prefer – 1 cup dry white wine – 2-28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes I use San Marzano – 6 fresh basil leaves – 2 ½ teaspoons sea salt – ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook Time: 45 min

Ingredients

White Scribbled Underline

Prep Time: 15 min

\ For the Ricotta Layer: – 2 pounds ricotta cheese – 2 eggs – 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmegiano-Reggiano cheese – 1 Tablespoon finely minced Italian parsley leaves – Sea salt and ground black pepper For the Pasta: – 16 ounces ziti penne rigate or mostaciolli pasta – ½ cup grated Pecorino-Romano or Parmegiano Reggiano divided – 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided – fresh basil leaves

Cook Time: 45 min

Ingredients

White Scribbled Underline

Can baked ziti be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Simply sub the ricotta, parm, and mozzarella for your favorite dairy-free cheeses.

Step 1

When you are ready to bake the pasta, you assemble it by beginning with a layer of meat sauce the bottom, layer on top half of the pasta.

Step 3

Add on mozzarella, the grated cheese, some more sauce, the rest of the pasta.

Step 4

Add on some more meat sauce and cheese

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