Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, then add ground beef/sausage and cook until browned.
  4. Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
  6. Spread a layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half the ricotta mix, and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy!