Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
  4. Add ground beef (or sausage) and season with salt and pepper; cook until browned.
  5. Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional minute.
  6. Pour in marinara sauce; simmer on low heat for about five minutes.
  7. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg and a pinch of salt; mix well.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti with meat sauce mixture until evenly coated.
  10. Layer half of this mixture into a greased baking dish.
  11. Spread all of the ricotta mixture over this layer.
  12. Top with remaining pasta mixture.