Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (450g) (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings (225g) (sweet or hot, your call!)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste (170g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5ml)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (5ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (2.5ml) (optional, for a kick)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (5ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound ziti pasta (450g)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (425g) (whole milk ricotta is best)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (30g), plus more for topping
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (225g)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor will be.
  4. While the sauce simmers, cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with about half of the meat sauce.
  7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the ziti mixture, then spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
  8. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti mixture, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown. Look for that lovely golden-brown crust – that's when you know it's ready.
  10. Let the ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.