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Here's everything you need for this cheesy baked ziti. Not everyone has Italian seasoning, but don't worry, you can make a quick and easy substitute by combining 1 tsp. dried oregano, 1 tsp. dried basil, and 1/2 tsp. dried thyme.

Let's Get Started…

Ingredients To Gather:

• 1 pound ziti (can sub penne) pasta
• Olive oil
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage or ground beef or pork
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary (or basil), minced
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 large jar of marinara sauce (about 32 ounces) or make your own tomato sauce
• 1/2 pound of mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1 heaping cup of ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan or pecorino cheese

Directions To Follow:

1. Boil the pasta: Heat a large pot of water (2 quarts of water) to a strong boil. Add a tablespoon of salt.
2. Add the pasta and cook at a rolling boil, uncovered, until the pasta is al dente—edible but still a little firm to the bite.
3. Drain the pasta through a colander. Toss with a little olive oil so the pasta does not stick together while you make the sauce.
4. Brown the meat: While the water is heating in the previous step, start on the sauce. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan on medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, add the bulk sausage or ground meat. Break up any large chunks of sausage as it cooks.
5. Don't stir that often or it will be more difficult for the meat to brown. If you are using ground beef or pork instead of sausage, sprinkle with a little salt.

~*~ The Rest Of The Directions To Follow ~*~

1. Wait until the meat is almost completely browned, and then add the onions.
2. Stir well to make sure everything is combined.
3. Saute for about 4 or 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and have started to brown.
4. Then, add the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and the rosemary or basil.
5. Stir to combine and then cook for another minute.
6. After this, add the tomato sauce, stir well and then bring to a simmer.
7. Next, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and then spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 casserole pan, and then place half of the ricotta in the bottom of the pan.
8. Place a spoonful of the sauce into the pasta, and then stir well to combine before adding it to the casserole pan.
9. Take the rest of the sauce and pour it over the pasta, and then add the rest of the ricotta, followed by the mozzarella and Parmesan.
10. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top of the ziti is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.

Finished!

Doesn't that sound delicious? This is the kind of hearty meal you serve when you've got a hungry crowd with big appetites.

Let Us Know How It Turned Out!

Article Source: Simply Recipes