# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 lb ziti pasta
→ Meat Sauce
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 lb ground beef
06 - 14 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
07 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried basil
11 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Cheese Mixture
14 - 15 oz ricotta cheese
15 - 1 large egg
16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
→ For Assembly
18 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
19 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Method:
01 - Heat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil salted water in a large pot and cook ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until softened, 3 to 4 minutes, then add garlic and cook another minute.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking up the meat. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Mix ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a bowl until smooth.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, half the ricotta mixture, and half the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
08 - Add remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
09 - Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
10 - Remove foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
