RECIPE FOR BAKED ZITI WITH RICOTTA RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Boil ziti, following the package directions.
• Drain the ziti and place in a large bowl.
• Mix all the ricotta cheese with the ziti.
• Mix half of the mozzarella cheese with the ziti.
• Spray a large pan (larger than 13x9) with cooking spray.
• Cover the bottom half of the pan with half the pasta sauce.
• Put the ziti mixture on top of the sauce.
• Pour the remaining sauce on top of the ziti.
• Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Bake for 20-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and it is lightly golden.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup of the Romano and the parsley, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Add beef and gently combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape into bite-size meatballs. Roll each meatball in flour to coat, shaking off excess.
• In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside. If not using immediately, cover top with plastic wrap so that pasta does not dry out. Do not rinse pasta with water since you want to retain the pasta's natural starches so that the sauce will cling to the ziti.
• In a large skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. When almost smoking, add meatballs in batches and without moving or turning the meat, allow it to brown for about 3 minutes. Turn meatballs and brown other side. Continue to cook until all sides are golden brown. Remove meatballs to a plate.
• In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce and ricotta and mix well. Add the cooked ziti and meatballs and toss gently.
• In a large greased baking dish, pour in pasta mixture. Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and remaining Romano all over the top. Dot with the butter. Place baking dish on top of baking sheet covered with aluminum foil to collect any drippings from the dish. Bake until top is golden brown and bubbly, about 30 to 40 minutes.