Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
• Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage, ground beef, or ground pork
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary or basil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cups jarred marinara or pasta sauce, or make your own tomato sauce
• Black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
• 1 heaping cup ricotta cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a vigorous boil (use 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 quarts of water). Add the pasta and cook until al dente, so it's tender but still slightly firm.
• Drain well, then toss the pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce.

3. Brown the Meat

• While the pasta water heats, begin making the sauce. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, ground beef, or pork and break it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
• Allow the meat to brown thoroughly, stirring only occasionally so it develops good color. If using ground beef or pork instead of sausage, season lightly with kosher salt.

4. Make the Sauce

• Once the meat is nearly browned, stir in the chopped onion. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion softens and begins to caramelize.
• Add the chopped garlic, rosemary or basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Pour in the marinara or tomato sauce and stir until everything is evenly combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper if needed.

5. Assemble the Baked Ziti

• Spread a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce.
• Mix a spoonful of the meat sauce into the cooked pasta, then transfer the pasta to the baking dish.
• Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the pasta. Dot the top with the remaining ricotta, then finish with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan or pecorino.
• Make-Ahead Tip: At this stage, the assembled casserole can be cooled, covered, and refrigerated or frozen until you're ready to bake.

6. Bake

• Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the top is lightly browned.
• Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy!