Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese for layering

Instructions:

  1. Boil water in a large pot, salt generously. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent; add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Brown ground beef in the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese; mix until smooth.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In the baking dish, create layers: Place half the ziti, half the meat sauce, dollops of ricotta mixture, and a layer of mozzarella. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, finishing with mozzarella on top.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  7. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.