Oven Baked Ziti

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the meat sauce mixture, and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Mix until well combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
8. Top the ziti with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Let the ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.