Meaty Baked Ziti

Indulge in the flavors of this mouthwatering and comforting meaty baked ziti. Layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese come together to create a dish that will satisfy any craving. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. It can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve. Get ready to impress your guests with this hearty and delicious Italian-American classic.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 box (16 ounces) ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Make sure to break the meat into small pieces while cooking. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
6. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

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