# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 lb ziti pasta
→ Meat Sauce
02 - 2 tablespoons 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 tablespoons tomato paste
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Cheese Mixture
14 - 15 oz ricotta cheese
15 - 1 large egg
16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
→ For Assembly
18 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
19 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Preparation steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute longer.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until evenly browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley until thoroughly mixed.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti, then half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the top.
08 - Repeat layers using remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan.
09 - Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10 - Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before portioning and serving.
