Baked Italian Ziti

Baked Italian Ziti

Baked Italian Ziti is a classic Italian dish, we grew up with. Our version uses our Mediterranean Seasoning which adds a wonderful flavor to the meat sauce. We like to serve it with a side salad topped with our Italian Salad Dressing, and maybe a slice or two of garlic bread. The flavors all compliment each other. Enjoy!

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:
12 oz. Ziti Pasta
2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
3 to 4 Garlic Cloves, Minced
1 Pound Ground Beef (We use 85/15 or 90/10), Ground Chicken, Turkey or other Crumbles
1 Tablespoon Sheffield’s Mediterranean Seasoning
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 28 oz. Can Crushed Tomatoes
1 ½ Cups Shredded Part-skim Mozzarella

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cook pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside until needed.

In a medium sauce pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When it starts to shimmer, add the garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Add the ground beef, cook about 7 to 10 minutes until browned, breaking it up until done. Pour off any fat. Return the pan to the stove.

Add the Mediterranean Seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir to combine with the beef. Cook a couple minutes to allow the flavors to mingle. Add the tomatoes, including the liquid. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

In a 4 quart casserole dish, add enough of the meat mixture just to cover the bottom. Spread evenly. Add a layer of half of the Ziti. Add half of the remaining meat mixture on top, spreading evenly. Spread half of the mozzarella cheese on next. Add the remaining Ziti in a layer, then the remaining meat mixture, then the remaining mozzarella cheese as the last layer. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven, serve and enjoy!

We serve it with a side salad using our Italian Salad Dressing. To check out the dressing, please click HERE.