Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage, casings removed)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (28 ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dry red wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
  • 3 cups (340g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown ground beef (or sausage), breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavours to meld.
  2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti with the meat sauce. Stir to coat. Spread half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the ziti. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Top with the remaining ziti mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  6. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows it to set and makes for easier serving. Follow these steps on how to make baked ziti for a perfect meal.