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Taylor Street Baked Ziti with melted cheese and sauce

Taylor Street Baked Ziti: 5 Steps to a Perfect Pasta Dish

Taylor Street Baked Ziti is a rich and comforting dish inspired by Chicago’s Little Italy. Featuring al dente ziti pasta smothered in a savory tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked to golden perfection, this dish is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rest Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

450g ziti pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 500 g ground Italian sausage or beef
  • 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 400 g tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 250 g ricotta cheese
  • 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 300 g shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground sausage or beef, cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and 50g Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Preheat oven to 190°C. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, then top with shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
  5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Rest & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
  • Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
  • Can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.