Ziti Beef Bake

When I first learned about this recipe several years ago, I was home recovering from minor surgery. I was taking pain medication, feeling very drowsy and extremely sore. I was hungry, but decided that I would much rather be run over by a freight train than have to cook dinner for myself or anyone else.


I was trying to decide between calling for Pizza or Chinese take out, when low and behold...the doorbell rang. It was Anne (my sister in law) holding a Get Well card, along with a huge baking dish covered with tin foil!

Suddenly it was as if I heard angels singing, and there seemed to be a shimmering ray of light that surrounded her (It must have been the effects of the meds I was taking). One thing I know for sure though, is that the house was filled with the aroma of a home cooked meal! She said it was called Ziti Beef Bake.

I can still remember how wonderful it tasted. And the leftovers... mmm! We reheated them, and they seemed to taste even better than the first time! It was just what I needed. I asked her for the recipe ASAP and I have been making it for my family ever since. They are happy to eat it no matter how often I make it! It's a perfect dish to bring over to someone who is not feeling well. It's easy to reheat, and it always tastes fantastic. It can even be an easy dinner for company if you add some garlic bread, a tossed salad and glass of red wine. (Maybe some Biscotti with Espresso for dessert?)

ZITI BEEF BAKE

1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1-28 oz can whole tomatoes
1-8 oz can tomato sauce
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound mozzarella cheese, grated
1 or 1.5 pounds ziti

Saute onion in oil until tender. Add beef and brown, chopping into small bits.

Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, parsley, salt, oregano, and garlic powder.

Cook ziti. Drain. Mix ziti with 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese, stir in the sauce and mozzarella. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

Ziti Beef Bake is definitely a "staple" in our house. Try it, and I bet it will become a staple in your house too!