Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

1. 1
   prep

   Preheat oven and prepare the baking dish.

   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil.

2. 2
   boil · ~10 min

   Boil the ziti until al dente.

   1.Bring 2 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.

   2.Add 0.5 tsp salt and the ziti. Stir once to prevent sticking.

   3.Boil for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions so the pasta stays firm for baking.

   4.Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

   TIPUndercooking the pasta slightly prevents it from turning mushy during baking.
3. 3
   saute · ~7 min

   Brown the ground beef.

   1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   2.Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink (5-7 minutes).

   3.Spoon off and discard any excess fat from the skillet.

   TIPDon't crowd the pan. Spread the beef in an even layer so it sears rather than steams.
4. 4
   saute · ~15 min

   Build the tomato sauce.

   1.Add chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened (3-4 minutes).

   2.Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).

   3.Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, chili flakes, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.

   4.Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly (10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.

   5.Turn off the heat and fold in torn basil leaves.

   TIPLet the sauce simmer uncovered. Reducing the liquid concentrates the tomato flavor.
5. 5
   mix

   Combine the pasta and sauce.

   Add the drained ziti to the skillet with the meat sauce and toss gently until every piece is well coated.

6. 6
   assemble

   Layer the ziti into the baking dish.

   1.Transfer half the sauced ziti into the prepared baking dish.

   2.Scatter half the shredded mozzarella over the top.

   3.Add the remaining ziti and finish with the rest of the mozzarella.

   4.Sprinkle grated parmesan evenly over the surface.

   TIPFor an extra golden crust, add a light dusting of breadcrumbs mixed with a little parmesan.
7. 7
   bake · ~25 min

   Bake until bubbly and golden.

   Place the dish on the middle rack and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should be fully melted, bubbling, and lightly browned on top. For a deeper golden top, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes and watch carefully.

   TIPLet the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking so the sauce sets and the portions hold their shape.
8. 8
   serve · ~5 min

   Rest briefly and serve hot.

   Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. Scoop generous servings onto warm plates.

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