Baked Ziti with Lamb Sauce
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ziti | 500g |
| Lamb (boneless, diced) | 400g |
| Tomato Passata | 500g |
| Grana Padano DOP (grated) | 60g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 30g |
| Salt | q.b. |
| Whole Milk | 300g |
| All-purpose Flour | 30g |
| Butter | 30g |
| Nutmeg | 1 pinch |
| Salt (for pasta water) | ½ tsp |
Instructions
Begin by preparing the béchamel sauce. In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over low heat, bringing it just to the brink of boiling. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the flour in one go, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to cook briefly, then remove from heat and gradually pour in the warm milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the béchamel has fully come together, return the saucepan to the heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and is smooth. Once thickened, remove from the heat and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Set aside.
Next, prepare the lamb sauce. Cut the lamb into small, bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and fragrant, add the lamb and cook until the pieces are well browned and seared on all sides. After the lamb has browned, add the tomato passata and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
While the lamb sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions, until they are al dente. Once the pasta is ready, drain it well and immediately mix it with the prepared béchamel sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with a little butter or oil. Pour the ziti and béchamel mixture into the dish and top with the lamb sauce, spreading it evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle the grated Grana Padano DOP on top for added flavor and a golden finish.
Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Once baked to perfection, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Serve the Baked Ziti with Lamb Sauce hot, garnished with extra grated cheese if desired. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish for a comforting meal that will surely satisfy everyone at the table!
Notes:
- The lamb sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a creamier béchamel, you can add a little more butter or milk to adjust the consistency.
- Ziti can be substituted with another pasta shape, such as penne or rigatoni, if desired.
