Taco Baked Ziti

This recipe is from "Woman's World" magazine, January 24, 2006. This is a great dish for that Tex-Mex flavor. Great for potluck or social occasions with friends.

• Ready In: 1 hr 50 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 8  ounces ziti pasta
• 1⁄2 lb  ground chuck
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa (mild, medium, hot)
• 1 (8 ounce) bottle  taco sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 1⁄4 cups  Mexican blend cheese, shredded
• 2  tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
•  sour cream (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta according to the package directions; drain.
2. Heat skillet over medium heat. Crumble in ground chuck; stir in salt and chili powder. Cook. Stir occasionaly. In large bowl combine salsa and taco sauce; reserve 1/2 cup. Stir beef mixture and reserved pasta into remaining salsa mixture.
3. Place half of pasta mixture into baking dish. Combine ricotta, 1 cup shredded cheese, and cilantro; spread over pasta in dish. Top with remaining pasta mixture; spread with reserved salsa mixture. Cover with foil and bake 40-45 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, 5-10 minutes. Serve with sour cream.