Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté chopped onion until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  6. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  8. Combine cooked meat with marinara sauce and mix well.
  9. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. In the baking dish, layer: half of the meat sauce, half of the pasta, dollops of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella.
  12. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients, finishing with meat sauce and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  13. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.