Baked Ziti

"Here is one of our favorites: Make any desired tomato sauce preferably bolognese. " Helen Mc Kay

• 1 pound ziti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• a small onion, diced
• 1 pound ground round
• 1 pound Italian sausage with fennel, removed from casing
• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese in 3 inch slices
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups prepared sauce
• Salt & freshly milled pepper to taste
• Additional 1/2 - 1 pound mozzarella, grated for top

METHOD

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Cook ziti according to package directions, but stop cooking just before it reaches al dente. It will be baked further. Drain and rinse well. Set aside.

Heat oil in n a skillet. Stir in garlic and onion. Cook until onion and garlic begin to brown.

Add beef and sausage meat. When no longer pink drain off fat, and put meat into a bowl.

Mix ricotta, mozzarella, eggs and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine. Add to meat mixture, combining thoroughly.

In a large bowl, combine reserved ziti, meat mixture and prepared sauce. Mix well. (If you like more sauce, add it.) Check for seasonings and add salt and pepper to taste.

Spray a 9x13 pan with vegetable spray and pour in the mixture. Cover with grated mozzarella on top and bake in a 375° F oven for about 35 minutes. Enjoy!

Serves: 6 - 8

Contributor: Helen McKay

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