Ingredients for Baked Ziti Ziti Al Forno
- 2.5 tablespoons butter
- 2.5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 medium onions, chopped
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces tomato puree
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- .75 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Tomato Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- Salt Water
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil strips (for garnish)
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How to Make Baked Ziti Ziti Al Forno
- **Make the Sauce:** Melt 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and 8 ounces sliced mushrooms and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, 28 ounces tomato puree, 28 ounces crushed tomatoes with their juices, 1/2 cup dry red wine, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced to about 5 cups. Remove the bay leaf.
- **Prepare the Meatballs:** In a large skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon butter and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 medium onion, chopped, and cook until lightly browned. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool.
- Add 1 large egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 cup of the prepared sauce to the bowl. Mix well.
- Gently incorporate 1 pound ground beef. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining butter and oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are cooked through. Add the browned meatballs to the sauce.
- **Cook the Ziti:** Cook 1 pound ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- **Assemble and Bake:** Combine the cooked ziti with the meatball sauce mixture. Spread evenly in a shallow 4-quart casserole dish.
- Top with 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese and 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil strips before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
68 g
Sugar
45g
Fat
83g
Carbs
21g
