# 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Drain and reserve.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Sauté onion until softened, 3 to 4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up meat, until thoroughly browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. If necessary, drain excess fat.
05 - Incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and parsley. Stir until homogenous.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
08 - Repeat layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top evenly with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
09 - Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10 - Allow to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
