Source:

Classic Baked Ziti by Galbani Cheese 

Ingredients:

• 32 oz Ricotta Cheese

• 16 oz Mozzarella Cheese shredded and divided

• 1/2 c Parmesan Cheese grated and divided

• 1 lb. Pasta (rigatone, fusilli or penne)

• 2 Tb EV Olive Oil

• 1 onion sliced

• 2 tsp fresh basil

• 4 cloves garlic chopped

• 1 lb ground beef

• 45 oz tomato sauce

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°

2. Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cookpasta in boiling water until al dente (6 + min) Drain water from pasta.

3. Heat EVOO over medium heat cooking the onion basil and garlic until brown. Remoe from pan into small bowl

4. Using the same pan, cook ground beef on Medium-high heat until evenly brown. Stir in the onion mixture and the tomato sauce. Season with salt. Reduce heat to low andsimmer for 15 min.

5. Mix together ricotta, 1/2 mossarella, 1/2 parmesan and the egg until creamy.  Mix in pasta until evenly coated.

6. Grease 9x13x3 inch backing dish

7. layer 1/2 pasta mixture then 1/2 meat mixtured. Next a layer of remaining 1/2 mozzarella and finish with the remaining meat mixture.  Finally top with remaining 1/2 of the parmesan cheese.

8. Bake in preheated oven 30 min. or until heated through and cheese is melted.

9. Make sure to let it simmer!  Let cool for 5-10 min so flavors marinate.

Notes:

• Substitute 1/2 lb ground italian sausage for 1/2 lb of the ground beef.

• Leftovers taste better.   Heat oil in a frying pan to medium heat.  Place leftovers in pan searing all four sides until slightly crispy crust.