# 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Incorporate 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 to taste.
06 - In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley until smooth.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half the cheese mixture and half the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
08 - Repeat layering with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
09 - Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
10 - Remove foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11 - Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
