# 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
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to skillet. Cook, breaking meat apart, until browned and cooked through, approximately 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well blended.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
08 - Top with remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
09 - Cover assembled dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes in preheated oven.
10 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11 - Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
