Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a simple, filling version of Italian baked pasta dishes: a meaty sauce and plenty of melting cheese.

1. Cook the penne in plenty of salted water for slightly less time than stated on the packet, until half done – it softens further in the oven.

2. Finely chop the onion and garlic and fry them together with the minced beef.

3. Pour in the passata, season with basil, salt and pepper, then bring to the boil.

4. Mix the drained pasta thoroughly with the meat sauce.

5. Layer it into an ovenproof dish, sprinkling mozzarella and grated parmesan in between and over the top.

6. Bake at 190 °C until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Tip: Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking so it stays easy to slice.