# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound ziti pasta
→ Meat Sauce
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 pound ground beef
06 - 14 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
07 - 28 ounces 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 ounces 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. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti 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 sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in 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 to blend flavors.
06 - In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley until thoroughly blended.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
08 - Repeat the layers with remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
09 - Cover the dish with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
10 - Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11 - Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to set.
