Baked Ziti

In my opinion, this is comfort food at its best. Serve with a side of garlic bread and you have the perfect winter night supper.  You can use ground beef or sausage in this recipe, both are equally good.  I usually just use whichever I have on hand.  Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 (16 oz) package ziti
1 pound ground beef or sausage
2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
1 tbsp fresh basil
12 oz ricotta cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook pasta according to package directions minus one minute. 

Brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat adding onions and garlic when meat is mostly browned.  Cook until onions are soft. Drain, and set aside

In a separate saucepan, heat marinara sauce until hot.  Add basil and Italian seasoning and stir until mixed in.  Combine ricotta with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.

Spread the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan with a little of the sauce.  Layer half the ziti, half the meat, half the ricotta, and half the sauce.  Cover with half the mozzarella.  Repeat layer.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.  Remove foil and bake another 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly browned.