Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup or 150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons or 6g)
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage, casing removed)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (2.5 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (1.25 ml)
  • 1 (28 ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce/170g) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (5 g)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
  • 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
  • 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions:

  1. Cook ziti according to package directions to al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti and the meat sauce. Toss to coat.
  7. Spread half of the ziti mixture into the baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Top with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Spread the remaining ziti mixture over the ricotta layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  10. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.