Baked Ziti

Step 1

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions just until al dente – don’t overcook! Strain and rinse with cold water.

Step 2

In a Dutch oven, brown ground beef, sausage, onion, carrots and celery over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 30 more seconds. Drain grease. Add all remaining Sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

While sauce is simmering, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a deep 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.

Step 4

Add all of the Ricotta ingredients to a large bowl and mix until combined; set aside.

Step 5

Mix cooked pasta with Bolognese. Transfer half of the pasta to a 9x13 baking dish. Dot half of the ricotta mixture over the top in little blobs. Top evenly with half mozzarella. Repeat layers of remaining ziti, ricotta and mozzarella. Top evenly with Parmesan.

Step 6

Tent the pan with foil and secure tightly all around the edges. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 15-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.