# Ingredient List:
→ 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
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully browned and cooked through, approximately 6–8 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, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - In a bowl, blend ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley until smooth and well combined.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
08 - Repeat layering with remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
09 - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
10 - Remove foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11 - Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to set.
