Mom's Irish Ziti is a comforting and satisfying pasta dish that blends classic Italian flavors with a hint of Irish influence. This recipe features ziti pasta cooked to perfection, combined with a creamy and cheesy mixture of cottage cheese, Irish cheddar, and Parmesan. The dish is then baked to golden perfection for a crispy top layer. It's a perfect family meal that will warm up your kitchen and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup Irish cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper, then stir well to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Irish cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly on the bottom.
- Spread the ziti mixture on top of the marinara sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the ziti and spread it evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the fresh parsley and basil on top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
