Dining and Cooking
American Recipes

Italian Grandma Makes Baked Ziti/Rigatoni (Pasta al Forno)



BAKED ZITI (Pasta al Forno):
Olive Oil
1 small Yellow Onion, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, halved
2 lbs Ground Beef
2 qts Tomato Puree
2 tsp Basil, dried
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 lb Rigatoni Pasta or Ziti or whatever pasta you like
1 cup Sweet Peas, 4 oz. frozen
3 Boiled Eggs
1-2 cups (approx.) Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
1½ lbs Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese

COOKBOOK: “Cooking with Grandma Gina” is available on Amazon in Paperback and eBook.
Recipes in cookbook are based on videos released prior to March 2021.
Click on the following Amazon link for the cookbook:
https://amzn.to/3IK4dmi

Buon-A-Petitti Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/buon-a-petitti

Watch my other videos at: https://www.youtube.com/buonapetitti/videos

Buon-A-Petitti Merchandise:
https://www.cafepress.com/buonapetitti

FAN MAIL:
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P.O. Box 223
Adelphia, NJ 07710

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FAQ:
Who is this lady?
Gina Petitti was born in 1935 in Faeto, Italy. Her family ran a farm in Italy and she met her husband, Vito, in the same town. In 1970 Gina, Vito, and her 4 children immigrated to America. Gina’s husband passed away in 2012, but she is surrounded by a large family, which includes 9 grandchildren, and lives 5 minutes away from her eldest daughter in New Jersey. Gina spends her time cooking, gardening, and being an active member of her local Church.

Where does Gina get her recipes?
Most of these recipes are from what she learned growing up in Italy, but some of them have evolved over time. She has also learned new recipes from friends and family in America. She is always eager to try new things.

Why is no one helping her in the video?
Grandma Gina doesn’t want help! Usually, it’s because we will slow her down or not do it “her way.” For the videos we only show her, but when the camera cuts we jump in and help form the cookies or prep for the next step.

Why don’t we buy her a new…?
Grandma Gina has a closet and garage full of new gadgets, spoons, forks, pots, etc… but she doesn’t like them because she is used to doing it with her old tools. She has fun getting her hands dirty!

Who is behind the camera?
Her retired son-in-law films, her daughter helps her prep, and she usually has one or two grandkids in the kitchen.

Does Gina read the comments?
We print out and show her how much love she gets from all her viewers, and she is very thankful and hopes you enjoy her cooking! Your comments bring her lots of joy, laughter, and inspiration to make more videos to share with you.

Thank you for watching, we hope you subscribe, and we will see you in our next video!

40 Comments

  3. makeupworldgirl

    What brand of mozzarella did you use? This looks so delicious!!! I wanna make it tonight!!But I was hoping I could get the brand of cheese … thank you❤

  4. MrCorvettegirl2

    Hello Ms Gina

    I knew I’d find baked Ziti on your channel 😁I’ve been wanting to make this for my husband and wanted a really good recipe from your kitchen
    I like rigatoni also 👍
    your dish looks delicious !

    You also brought a big smile to my face when you started singing I love your voice ❤and the pictures of you & your husband is so lovely to see ❤️♥️❤️

    Thanks so much
    Brenda

  22. Pelonski65302

    Thank you Gina! The green peas and chopped egg compliment the dish so well, no need for ricotta . Simply delicious! 👌

  26. Maryann Battista

    Spotless Kitchen, Dishes Pots, very clean cook reminds me of my Aunt I used to spend summers with when I was young. Wonderful genuine women.

  27. Val Dos

    I would be in heaven if I was lucky enough to eat her food 😊😊😊😊

  28. X1 348

    Thank you for the song and dance my love. I very much appreciate the knowledge and wisdom that is tucked away in your love of food. You are perfect to train the youth while feeding them the best nutrition. May God bless you and I think of you in my prayers after hearing you sing from your heart.

  30. cindy campbell

    I’ve never eaten baked ziti with peas or eggs! But the way you make it looks delicious, I’ll have to try this!!

  31. Ulf

    I love myself the Pecorino Romano from Costco by the pound 🙂

  32. Bert O

    The Eggs and Peas are the best part of Al Forno, it’s what makes this dish stand out. This recipe very similar to what my family made growing up, the only difference was my father preferred adding diced ham instead of ground beef. Looks delicious.

  33. Trey Hoffman

    We tried this recipe last night and it was AMAZING!!! We did leave out the peas and eggs, but it was still good. Also tried Grandma Gina’s bolognese recipe and too was awesome. I’m not sure what makes her recipes so great, but I think part of it is the extra time she takes to let dishes cook or just sit. Plus, only half-cooking the pasta made for a very nice texture for the finished baked product.

  39. Galina Sokhieva

    Большое спасибо Вам, Дорогая Джина! Самые добрые Вам пожелания!❤🎉😊

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