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Recipe for Baked Ziti Casserole

baked ziti square casserole
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Browned and bubbly, extra cheesy and saucy -gluten free baked ziti is an easy dish that your whole family will love.  My minimal, easy prep, creamy casserole is made on the stovetop and then baked in the oven with a creamy blanket of melted cheese on top.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound  lean ground beef
  • 1 pound  lean ground Italian sausage
  • 1 cup of carrot, finely shredded
  • 2  Tablespoons of garlic, pressed or finely chopped (about 2 cloves)
  • 1 ½  tablespoons dried basil leaves
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil, or another oil of your choice
  • 1 can tomato paste, 6 oz.
  • 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 28 oz.
  • 3 ½  cups beef broth (chicken broth can also be used)
  • 16 oz . gluten free pasta, such as ziti, penne, or fusilli
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • grated parmesan, salt, and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Cook beef, sausage, garlic, and carrots together until meat is browned and vegetables are softened.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste, spices, crushed tomatoes, pasta, and broth.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until pasta is tender but not too soft - al dente. Stir regularly to avoid mixture sticking to bottom of pan. You may need to add a little more water  before the pasta is done. You will want to end up with tender pasta in a creamy sauce (see the photos above to guide you).
  4. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the pan.
  5. Add parmesan, salt, and pepper, if desired to taste. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20  minutes. Remove foil and bake for roughly 5 minutes longer, or until the cheese is a little browned and bubbly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.beneficial-bento.com/2024/02/recipe-for-baked-ziti-casserole.html