1 (16 oz.) box ziti pasta (450g)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (16 oz.) pkg. ground Italian sausage or ground beef (450g)
1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp. sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
1 cup ricotta cheese (240ml)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (100g)
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided (200g)
fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

PREHEAT THE OVEN:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray (Pam) or olive oil.

COOK THE PASTA:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al denté. Drain the pasta and set aside.

PREPARE THE SAUCE:

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the ground Italian sausage or beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.

ADD THE TOMATOES AND SEASONINGS:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

COMBINE THE PASTA AND SAUCE:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the prepared sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.

LAYER THE INGREDIENTS:

Spread half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese.

REPEAT THE LAYERS:

Add the remaining ziti mixture on top of the cheese layer. Dot the remaining ricotta cheese over the pasta, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese on top.

BAKE:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

SERVE:

Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Submitted by: N. Land