Meal for family of 3

Meal for family of 3 — under $20 — I spent $23.72

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Let it preheat while you prep everything else.

2. Boil the pasta.

• In a large pot, boil salted water.

• Add ziti and cook 1–2 minutes less (it will finish in the oven).

• Drain and set aside.

3. Make the meat sauce.

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Add chopped onions, sauté 2–3 minutes.

• Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

• Add ground beef, cook until browned (drain excess fat).

• Pour in marinara sauce, stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.

4. Mix the ricotta filling.

• In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.

• Mix until creamy and set aside.

5. Combine pasta with sauce.

• In a large bowl (or pot), combine cooked ziti with most of the meat sauce—save about 1 cup for layering later.

6. Assemble the baked ziti.

Grab a 9x13 baking dish and layer as follows:

1. Layer 1: Spread a spoonful of reserved sauce on the bottom.

2. Layer 2: Add half of the sauced ziti pasta.

3. Layer 3: Dollop and spread half of the ricotta mixture.

4. Layer 4: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella.

5. Repeat: Add remaining pasta, ricotta, and meat sauce.

6. Top it off: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan.

7. Bake it!

• Cover with foil (lightly greased so it doesn’t stick to cheese).

• Bake 25 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. Let it rest.

• Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

• This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.

🥖 Serve with:

• Garlic bread

• Side salad

• A glass of red wine or iced tea

💡 Tips:

• Want it extra cheesy? Add a layer of provolone or use a cheese blend.

• Vegetarian? Omit the meat or use plant-based crumbles.

• Make ahead? Assemble, refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.

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