# 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, approximately 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break up the meat and cook until fully browned, about 6 to 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 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a bowl until thoroughly mixed.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
08 - Add the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Finish by topping with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
09 - Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden brown.
10 - Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
