Classic Baked Ziti

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Ziti
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 6 cups meatless spaghetti sauce, divided
  • 1 cup pasta water, reserved from cooking ziti
  • 2 cups (8 oz) shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Preparation

Step 1

Slightly undercook Ziti, about 8 minutes.
Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, cover and set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In large skillet over medium heat cook beef, onion and garlic; stirring frequently 6 to 8 minutes or until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in 5 cups of spaghetti sauce and pasta water. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
Mix meat/sauce mixture with the Ziti.
Spoon 1/2 of Ziti mixture into 13x9x2 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle with Mozzarella Cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese.
Top with remaining Ziti mixture and remaining 1 cup spaghetti sauce.
Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until heated through.