Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz box ziti cooked to al dente
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage casings removed
• 1 medium onion diced
• 4 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese divided use
• 1 1/2 tsp dry Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 32 oz jar marinara sauce, plus 1 cup
• 1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese OR Italian cheese blend

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Cook ziti in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven cook olive oil and onion for 2 minutes over medium high or just until softened and translucent.
4. Meanwhile, in a bowl season ground beef and Italian sausage with 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic and red pepper flakes. Add to onion in pot, cooking over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat from the pan.
5. Add marinara sauce and ziti to pot, Mix until evenly coated.
6. Pour 1/2 into prepared dish. Dollop with 1/2 of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle ricotta with 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with remaining ziti, dollops of ricotta and drizzle with 1 cup marinara sauce.
7. Sprinkle the top with reserved 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 40-45 or until bubbly and golden. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 468 kcal | Carbohydrates: 37 g | Protein: 26 g | Fat: 24 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 73 mg | Sodium: 677 mg | Potassium: 335 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 2 g | Vitamin A: 217 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 314 mg | Iron: 1 mg