Curt's Baked Ziti Recipe

One of the many Italian foods I love to make for a crowd. Have made for my entire team at work for Christmas and then again for my Dad's Funeral I cooked the whole meal for everyone.  This is one that everyone will love and never turn down.

1 2lb container Whole Milk Ricotta
1 recipe Curt's Traditional Sunday  Sauce the Next Generation or 5 cups of store bought sauce ( 3 bottles.)
2 pounds Ziti or other pasta
1 pound ground chuck
fennel seeds
4 sprigs fresh parsley finely chopped
grating cheese
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
2 eggs
dried oregano
dried basil
garlic powder
salt, pepper

In a medium size bowl mix the 2 pounds of ground chuck with 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, 1 teaspoon fennel seed,  salt, pepper,  2 chopped sprigs of parsley and 1/4 cup grating cheese.  In a medium size fry pan, saute this mixture in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Drain grease. Set aside.
Boil pasta in salt water to package instructions, you can use anything if you don't like ziti. Drain and set aside.
In another bowl place the Ricotta, eggs, 1/2 cup grating cheese, rest of the parsley and 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Mix together.
In a large baking pan to fit, (I use an aluminum Turkey pan for ease of traveling) spray lightly with an oil cooking spray.
Place some pasta to line the bottom. Top with sauce, spread with cooked meat, a layer of mozzarella. Top with more pasta, sauce, spread with Ricotta. End with pasta, more sauce, mozzarella cheese and more grating cheese, sprinkle the top of the cheese with dried oregano and dried basil.  Bake until cheese is melted and browned around 35 to 35 minutes on 400 degree hot oven.


Comments

Unknown said…
I looooove baked ziti but never made it. I shall try soon!

This Silly Girl's Life
Elisabeth said…
Baked Ziti has to be my all-time favorite comfort dish, and that goes for my entire family, as well. Your recipe is so delicious and absolutely perfect...reminds me of an old 'hand-me-down'recipe that I also have...awesome, and delicious!
xo
Greg said…
I love baked ziti, but I never used ricotta cheese. I will have to try that.
Sounds excellent, Curt! My daughter is very picky, but I'm certain she'd have seconds of this :)
Catherine said…
Dear Curt, This is a wonderful recipe and I love that you use fennel seeds. The fennel gives it such a nice flavor. I bet that everyone looks forward to you making this. Blessings dear. Catherine
Catherine said…
Dear Curt, your baked ziti looks delicious. It is one of my favorites as well...you can never go wrong with serving ziti! Blessings, Catherine
Claudia said…
I have to smile - this is my winter "go-to" feed a crowd, party dish. Never fails. And I use tons of ricotta - love it creamy. Just a wonderful recipe! You can do my next gathering.
Amelia said…
Hi Curts, I've not try this but it sure look very tempting and yummy.

Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Have a nice week ahead.