Mom's Pasta al Forno
Description
This pasta al forno recipe is a special treat--hearty layers of ziti, beef, cheese, and peas are baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.
Ingredients
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, sliced
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3 (15 ounce) cans tomato puree
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4 1/4 cups water, or to taste
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6 tablespoons white sugar
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6 leaves fresh basil
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2 pounds ziti
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1 pound ground beef
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1 (8 ounce) container ricotta cheese
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2 tablespoons water
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1 (15 ounce) can green peas, drained
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced, ends discarded
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1 (16 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion; saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Mix in tomato puree and water; cook for 10 minutes. Stir in sugar and basil. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2
While the sauce is cooking, bring a very large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
3
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Add ground beef to cooked pasta. Mix in enough tomato sauce to lightly coat the pasta.
4
Mix ricotta cheese and water in a bowl until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
5
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
6
Spread a ladleful of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add 1/2 of the pasta, all of the ricotta cheese, peas, and 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese. Layer the sliced eggs on every section of the pasta; cover with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese. Pour remaining pasta, Parmesan cheese, sauce, and mozzarella on top. Cover with aluminum foil.
7
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly, 40 to 50 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before cutting, so slices don't fall apart.