Baked Ziti

There's no picture of the finished casserole (now there is because we did make it again), but they are hiding there in the freezer in the three foil pans, and apparently this recipe turned out well enough that we want to try it again in the future. So, here it is!

Baked Ziti

• 2 pounds ground beef and/or sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28-oz can diced tomatoes
• 28-oz can tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound ziti (or penne) pasta, cooked al dente
• 15-oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups grated Mozzarella cheese, plus more for garnish if desired
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg

Cook the meat with the onion and garlic until no longer pink; drain off grease. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Set aside.

Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Combine the three cheeses and egg. Mix with the pasta and 3-4 cups of the meat sauce. Divide between three 9x9" baking pans. Top with additional sauce. Sprinkle with more Mozzarella cheese if desired.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes; let sit 5 minutes before serving. Or, wrap and freeze, then thaw overnight before baking as directed.