Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion
• 3 clove garlic
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and basil, cooking for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let the meat sauce cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add half of the cooked ziti, then dollop with half of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
7. Top with the remaining meat sauce and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.