Baked Ziti With Vodka Sauce

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 2

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes or until translucent. Stir in the garlic and 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning and cook an additional 30-60 seconds.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and return to the skillet.

Step 5

Stir in the vodka sauce.

Step 6

Combine the ricotta, 1 cup of the mozzarella, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan and 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning in a large bowl and mix well.

Step 7

Spread half of the pasta into the bottom of a large, deep casserole dish. Top with dollops of half of the cheese mixture, then half of the meat sauce.

Step 8

Repeat with the second half of pasta, cheese mixture and meat sauce.

Step 9

Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 10

Bake, covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake and additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and just starting to brown.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh, minced parsley, if desired.