A Friday Supper Made to Share
Some Fridays call for a simple dinner that does not require standing over the stove all evening. Something warm, filling and easy to share across generations. This baked ziti is easy to assemble and makes delicious leftovers.
Recipe at a Glance
Serves 6–8. Prep time: about 20 minutes. Cook time: about 30 minutes. Oven: 375°F. Use a lightly greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti or penne pasta; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small diced onion; 2 minced garlic cloves; one 24-ounce jar marinara; one 15-ounce can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup ricotta; 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided; ½ cup grated Parmesan; salt and pepper; optional fresh parsley.
Directions
1. Heat oven to 375°F and grease the baking dish. 2. Cook pasta in salted water until about two minutes shy of al dente; drain. 3. Brown the beef or sausage with onion in a skillet until fully cooked; drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 4. Stir in marinara, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer five minutes.
5. Mix ricotta, one cup of mozzarella and Parmesan in a bowl. 6. Toss pasta with most of the meat sauce, reserving about one cup. 7. Layer half the pasta in the dish, spoon the ricotta mixture over it, then add the rest of the pasta. 8. Spread reserved sauce on top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. 9. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes; uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more, until bubbly and the center reaches 165°F. 10. Rest five to ten minutes before serving.
Make It Your Own
For a meatless version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini or spinach. Keep seasonings mild for picky eaters and pass Parmesan at the table. To make ahead, assemble, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; allow extra baking time from cold and check the center reaches 165°F. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within three to four days.
A Little Note From Our Table
The best family dinners are not always the fanciest. Sometimes they are a big casserole dish, a few extra chairs and a chance to sit together and catch up.
Reader question: What's the meal your family always seems happy to see on the dinner table?
With love, The Fleming Collective