Baked Ziti Casserole

This is one of our favorites, if there’s only two of you (like us) it will give you great leftovers. It also freezes well for making ahead, awesome for potlucks. It is even delicious if you make the simple version I put at the bottom… you’re sure to love this one!

Attribution Link

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes   Cook Time: 45 minutes  

Ingredients

8 oz. Ziti (or Penne)
1 Egg, slightly beaten
2 tbsp. Olive Oil
1/4 c. Grated Parmesan
1 lb. Ground Beef (leave out for vegetarian option)
2 Cloves Garlic, chopped
16 oz. Tomato Sauce
1/4 c. Burgundy Wine (optional)
1 tsp. Oregano
1/4 tsp. Allspice
3 tbsp. Butter
3 tbsp. Flour
1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
1 1/2 c. Milk
Sprinkle of Paprika
Sprinkle of Parsley

Directions

Preheat oven to 350º Cook ziti according to package directions, drain and set aside to cool. Saute ground beef, garlic and onion until brown. Stir in tomato sauce, wine, oregano and allspice. Add olive oil, parmesan and egg to pasta and combine thoroughly. Place half the ziti in a casserole dish and top with meat mixture. Cover with remaining ziti. Melt butter, add cinnamon and flour, slowly add milk. Cover pasta with mozzerella cheese, sprinkle with paprika and parsley. Drizzle butter mixture over the top. Bake 45 minutes, let stand a couple of minutes before serving.

A simplified version can be made using just pasta, meat, sauce, cheese and the butter mixture.

Also makes a great meatless meal if you leave out the ground beef.

Categories: Beef, Casserole, Crowd-Size, Entertaining, Main Dish, Pasta, Potluck, Vegetarian

Submitted by: sakurasundries on May 4, 2010