- Optional: Red bell pepper (1 medium, finely chopped) - Keyword: red bell pepper
This list of ingredients is optimized for SEO and includes relevant keywords to help you rank higher in search results related to baked ziti recipes.
Steps
### Baked Ziti with Spinach and Meat Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- **1 pound ziti pasta**
- **2 tablespoons olive oil** (divided use)
- **1 large onion**, chopped
- **4 cloves garlic**, minced
- **1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage** (optional, for a meatier dish)
- **1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce**
- **1 (6 oz) can tomato paste**
- **2 tablespoons dried basil**
- **2 teaspoons sugar**
- **1 teaspoon salt**
- **1/4 teaspoon black pepper**
- **8 cups fresh spinach** (or 3 cups frozen)
- **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese**
- **Grated Parmesan cheese** (optional, for topping)
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
2. **Prepare Meat Sauce:**
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes or until fragrant and tender.
- If using ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to the pan. Cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, until browned (about 8-10 minutes).
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
3. **Add Spinach:**
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Add the fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach). Toss to combine until spinach is wilted.
- Let it cool slightly before adding to the pasta.
4. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:**
- Transfer cooked ziti into a large baking dish.
- Pour the meat and spinach sauce over the pasta, stirring well to coat evenly.
5. **Layer with Cheese:**
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture.
- Optionally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
6. **Bake Until Bubbly:**
- Place baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. **Serve and Enjoy!**
- Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
#### Tips:
- For added flavor, you can sauté some fresh herbs like oregano or parsley along with the onions.
- You can also add a handful of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Freeze any leftover sauce in small portions to save for future meals!
#### SEO Keywords:
Baked Ziti Recipe, Spinach and Meat Pasta, Italian Cuisine, Tomato Sauce Recipe, Pasta Dishes, Comfort Food Recipes
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious Baked Ziti with Spinach and Meat that is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering or dinner party!