Baked Ziti Ziti Al Forno Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Ziti Ziti Al Forno

• 4 tablespoons butter
• Olive Oil
• 1 1/2 medium onions, chopped
• Mushroom
• Garlic Cloves
• 28 ounces tomato puree
• Italian Style Tomatoes
• Dry Red Wine
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 bay leaf
• Dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh Parsley
• 1 large egg
• Soft Breadcrumbs
• Ground Nutmeg
• Tomato Sauce
• Lean Ground Beef
• Ziti Pasta
• Salt Water
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Baked Ziti Ziti Al Forno

1. **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).
2. 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.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced to about 5 cups. Remove the bay leaf.
4. **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.
5. 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.
6. Gently incorporate 1 pound ground beef. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
7. 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.
8. **Cook the Ziti:** Cook 1 pound ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
9. **Assemble and Bake:** Combine the cooked ziti with the meatball sauce mixture. Spread evenly in a shallow 4-quart casserole dish.
10. Top with 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese and 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
12. Garnish with fresh basil strips before serving.