Baked Ziti with FreshTomatoes

By littlefish

can prepare sauce ahead to time to save time

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 pounds plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 15 tomatoes)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounces uncooked ziti
• 2 cups( 8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

1.In a Dutch oven, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, salt, basil and pepper. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2.Cook ziti according to package directions; drain. Place in a large bowl. Stir in sauce and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella cheese.
3.Cover and bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Yield: 6 servings.