Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil ( not extra virgin )
1 can Italian plum tomatoes
1 can tomato puree
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 chunk pecorino romano cheese
1 lb ground beef
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 garlic cloves , minced
2 tablespoons Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb Italian sausage , with fennel 4-5 inches each
1/2 lb fresh mushrooms , sliced
to taste hot pepper flakes ( optional )
1 lb ziti pasta , rigatti
1 lb part-skim ricotta cheese
1 lb part-skim mozzarella cheese , shredded
1/4 cup pecorino romano cheese , grated
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The dish is essentially a baked pasta casserole made with ziti, tomato sauce, ground beef, and cheese. This recipe takes the classic dish to the next level by introducing a delicious homemade Italian gravy, which adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish. It is perfect for dinner parties and family gatherings and can be enjoyed anytime of the year. The recipe is straightforward and easy to prepare, making it perfect for novice chefs to tackle.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2.Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
3.Add the plum tomatoes, tomato puree, dried parsley, dried basil, and pecorino romano cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted.
4.In a separate pan, brown the ground beef, parsley, basil, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Drain any excess fat.
5.Add the Italian sausage and mushrooms to the ground beef mixture. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned.
6.Pour the tomato mixture into the pan with the meat and sausage.
7.Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
8.In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and pecorino romano cheese.
9.In a large baking dish, layer the ziti, meat and sauce mixture, and the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients have been used up.
10.Sprinkle black pepper and hot pepper flakes on top of the dish.
11.Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is brown and bubbly.
12.Let cool for 5-10 minutes and serve. Enjoy!

PROS

Baked Ziti is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for dinner parties and family gatherings.

This recipe is easy to follow and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The homemade Italian gravy is rich and flavorful, adding a unique twist to this classic pasta dish.

CONS

This dish is high in calories, fat, and sodium.
It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The recipe requires a lot of ingredients, which can be overwhelming for novice chefs.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Baked Ziti can provide a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and calcium.
The dish also contains lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes that has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease.
However, due to the high sodium and fat content, it is important to consume this dish in moderation and pair it with a healthy side salad.

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