# 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 the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook 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 cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break the meat apart and cook until fully browned and cooked through, around 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley until thoroughly mixed.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta, then half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
08 - Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top evenly with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
09 - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
10 - Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11 - Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes prior to serving to set properly.
