# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 lb ziti pasta
→ Meat Sauce
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 lb ground beef
06 - 14 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
07 - 28 oz 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 oz 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 oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - In a bowl, blend ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley until smooth and evenly combined.
07 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
08 - Repeat layers with remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top evenly with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
09 - Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10 - Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
