Baked Beef Ziti

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. ziti
• 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 lb. ground beef
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Makes 8 Servings (1/8 of casserole per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Cook ziti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes; drain off any fat and return pan to heat. Stir in oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes longer.
4. Spread small amount of tomato-beef mixture in 4-quart casserole dish (just enough to cover bottom of dish); top with half of ziti. Layer with half of tomato-beef mixture, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, and remaining ziti. Top with remaining tomato-beef mixture and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake until heated through and cheese is melted and golden, about 30 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. This is what I call Italian comfort food. Who does not like beef, pasta and tomatoes? The herbs make this dish more aromatic and flavorful. I highly recommend adding a touch of dried basil to this dish to add more Italian flare to this dish. I highly recommend making your own fresh pasta for this dish for a more comforting feeling. I also highly recommend adding a touch of Parmesan cheese on the top because Parmesan cheese always makes almost every Italian dish taste better. This dish is the perfect comfort food to enjoy in the cold winter months and is great to enjoy when you're watching football, basketball, hockey or for movie night.