Baked Ziti

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1-pound Italian sausage
  • 1-pound ground beef
  • 1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, with juice
  • 2 14.5-ounce cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
  • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 16 ounces Ziti, cooked until not quite Al Dente
  • 1 15-ounce tub whole milk Ricotta cheese
  • 1-1/2-pounds Mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 whole egg
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  • Add onions and garlic and sauté for several minutes, or until starting to soften.
  • Add Italian sausage and ground beef and cook until browned.
  • Drain off fat, leaving a bit behind for flavor and moisture.
  • Add tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
  • Stir and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
  • After that time, remove 3 to 4 cups of the sauce, to a different bowl, to cool down.
  • Pre-heat oven to 375°F.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the grated mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and salt and pepper.
  • Stir together just a couple of times; do not mix completely.
  • Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
  • Pour it into the bowl, with the cheese mixture, and toss to slightly combine; there should still be large lumps.
  • Add the cooled meat sauce and toss to combine.
  • Add half the coated pasta to a large casserole dish or lasagna dish.
  • Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then top with half the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  • Repeat with another layer of the coated pasta, the sauce, and the mozzarella.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbling.
  • Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
  • Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta before serving.
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