Delicious and Hearty Mom's Irish Ziti Recipe

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

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
5. Season the beef with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper, then stir well to combine.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Irish cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
7. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and toss until evenly coated.
8. Pour half of the marinara sauce into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly on the bottom.
9. Spread the ziti mixture on top of the marinara sauce.
10. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the ziti and spread it evenly.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and sprinkle the fresh parsley and basil on top.
13. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
14. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts