Recipe slightly adapted from here- https://www.recipetineats.com/baked-ziti/
Ingredients
300g / 10oz ziti or penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves , minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 lb ground beef
24 oz tomato passata
1/2 cup water
1 cup ricotta
1 cup grated shredded cheddar or mozzerella cheese
1 cup parmesan, freshly grated
Finely chopped parsley or basil
Seasonings:
1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed to a powder in a mortar and pestle
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp chilli flakes
2 tsp granulated onion powder
1 tsp granulated garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook ziti or penne for the recommended cooking time on the packet MINUS 2 minutes. Drain, then return to pot.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Make Sauce: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add beef and cook until almost browned and broken up, then add the onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
- Add the seasonings and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add passata and water. Bring to simmer, reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Ziti with Sauce: Pour about 2 cups of sauce into the pot with the ziti. Toss.
- Assemble: Spread ziti into baking dish (23x33cm / 9×13″). Dollop with ricotta. Pour over remaining sauce. Top with cheese and parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Remove foil, bake further 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy!
