Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 pound ziti ((or other tube-shaped pasta such as penne))
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion (chopped (about 1/2 cup))
  • 4 ounces diced raw bacon ((about 1/2 cup or 4 slices))
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (with their juice)
  • 12 ounces shredded fresh mozzarella cheese ((about 3 cups), divided use)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instruction

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 
  • Place a large pot of well-salted water on to boil. Cook the ziti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • While the ziti cooks, make the meat sauce. In a large skillet, add the olive oil, onion, and bacon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the bacon is cooked and the onion is translucent.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until no pink color remains in the ground beef.
  • Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, celery seed, salt, and ground black pepper stirring well. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the meat sauce from the heat and add the drained pasta and 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese. Stir together until evenly combined.
  • Pour the mixture into an ovenproof baking dish or pan. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and the grated Parmesan.
  • Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. 
  • Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.