# 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 - Set oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to skillet. Cook, breaking apart meat, 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 - Combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a bowl until smooth.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
08 - Add remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
09 - Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F.
10 - Remove foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
11 - Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
