I like to make this dish for family and friends. It’s easy to prepare, and I can get creative with the sauce. For example, sometimes I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables.
—ELAINE ANDERSON NEW GALILEE, PA
PREP: 20 MIN. • BAKE: 45 MIN. + STANDING • MAKES: 6-8 SERVINGS
12 ounces uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
2 pounds ground beef
1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
2 eggs, beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
2 1/2 cups (10 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1. Cook pasta according to the package directions.
2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce.
3. In a large bowl, combine eggs, ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture and stir until blended.
4. Spoon a third of the meat sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with half of the pasta mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining meat sauce.
5. Cover and bake 40 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.