Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup, 150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons, 6g)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend) (450g)
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot, your choice!) (225g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (2.5 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (1.25 ml)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (170g)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml)
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese (425g)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25 ml)
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (pinch) (0.625ml)
  • 1 pound ziti pasta (450g)
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (approx. 400g)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg. Mix well.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the remaining meat sauce.
  6. Spoon half of the ziti mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ziti. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining ziti mixture and then the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  8. Let the baked ziti rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.