Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 pound ground beef (20% fat or less)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  1. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth/water, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to the pot with the beef. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. While the sauce simmers, in a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Stir well to coat.
  6. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Dollop the remaining ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown. This is how you get delicious baked ziti with ground beef.
  8. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.