Ziti Bake

Serves 8

• 1 16 ounce package of ziti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 24 ounce jar of prepared spaghetti sauce
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Cook the pasta per the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef in a skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat, until well browned. Dark, crunchy bits on your beef will enhance the flavor of the overall dish, so be sure to let your beef get brown. Season with the salt and pepper.

Drain the pasta. Add the ricotta cheese, the egg, half of the sauce, the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese to the browned beef. Stir to combine. Mix the pasta and the beef mixture together in the pan you cooked the pasta in. Stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Pour the mixture into a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Spread the remaining sauce over the pasta. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve with your favorite green vegetable for a satisfying meal.