Ingredients:
1 pound ziti pasta 🍝
2 tablespoons olive oil 💦
1 onion, chopped 🍠
3 garlic cloves, minced 💡
1 pound ground beef 🥩
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese 🧀
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 🧀
1 egg, beaten 🥚
Salt and pepper to taste ❗️
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional) 🌿
Preparation Steps:
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). 🔄
2️⃣ Cook the ziti pasta al dente, then set aside. 🍝
3️⃣ In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened. 💡
4️⃣ Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. 🥩
5️⃣ Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let sauce thicken. 🍅
6️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, tomato sauce, and beaten egg. Mix well. 🥚
7️⃣ In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, create a thin layer of the tomato sauce. Arrange 1/2 of the ziti mixture on top. 🍝
8️⃣ Sprinkle with 1/2 of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers. 🧀
9️⃣ Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. 🔥
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Notes and Tips:
To prevent the pasta from drying out, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
Use high-quality ingredients, like fresh basil and real parmesan cheese, for the best flavor.
Consider adding other ingredients, like diced bell peppers or sliced olives, to the tomato sauce for added flavor.
