Beef
93/7 ground beef (2 lb)
Salt (2 tsp)
Black pepper (1.5 tsp)
Smoked paprika (2 tsp)
Fennel seed (2 tsp)
Garlic powder (1 tsp)
Onion powder (1 tsp)
Italian seasoning (2 tsp)
Other
Ziti pasta (275g)
Rao’s tomato-basil sauce (950g)
Calabrian chilis (15g)
Parmesan (20g)
Mozzarella (70g)
Low-fat ricotta (100g)
1. To cook the pasta (of your choice, but preferably ziti or rigatoni), simply add to boiling water and let simmer until done. Drain and then pour the pasta into a separate bowl.
2. In the same pot (once the pasta and water is removed) over medium-high heat, add ground beef, season with the listed seasonings and cook until cooked through.
3. Turn the heat off, then add back in the cooked beef, cooked pasta, and Calabrian chilis, and mix well.
4. In a large baking dish, add half of the pasta mix (enough to cover the bottom of the dish). Then place evenly spaced dollops of ricotta over the top. Once done, pour the remaining pasta mix on top and spread evenly. Top with grated mozzarella and grated parmesan, and bake at 450 degrees (F) until the cheese is nicely caramelized (~5 minutes).
5. To serve, simply scoop out the pasta onto your plate. Optionally, you can add basil over the top. Enjoy! 🙂
