Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 pound ground beef (450g)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (150g, about 1 cup chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 cloves)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (2.5 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (1.25 ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (20g)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (425g)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (60g)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (1.25 ml)
  • 1 pound ziti pasta (450g)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200g)
  • Additional fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Brown ground beef in olive oil. Drain any excess grease. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Stir in fresh parsley.
  2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining ziti pasta. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through.
  6. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.