Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or any short pasta like penne)
- 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F
- Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the meat (if using): In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. If using sausage, remove the casings before cooking. Drain any excess fat. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, cooked meat (if using), half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Layering: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta mixture in small spoonfuls. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and ricotta cheese.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!