Ingredients

The following ingredients have 5 Servings
  • 8 oz ziti (uncooked or any similar shaped tubular pasta)
  • 2 cups mozzarella (cut in small cubes (about 1/4-inch))
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan (or Romano cheese)
  • 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup Romano cheese
  • 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 28 oz can petit diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbs dried basil
  • 1 tbs dried oregano
  • 2 tbs brown sugar (see NOTES)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbs olive oil

Instruction

  • Sauce—In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until aromatic—about 3 minutes. stir in the tomato paste and cook until tomato paste bubbles and it’s color gets a bit darker, about 5 minutes.
  • Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Cook pasta per package directions; drain.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  • Mix pasta, sauce, ground beef, cubed mozzarella and Romano cheese in a large bowl; blend well. Turn mixture into prepared pan.
  • Place the topping ingredients evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheeses begin to brown and top is crispy.