Baked Ziti al Forno

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta
• 1 egg
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped basil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti in salted water until very al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
2. Mix ricotta, egg, half the Parmesan, basil, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, browned beef, ricotta mixture, and 3 cups of marinara sauce.
4. Layer pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
5. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
6. Bake uncovered until hot and browned, about 25 minutes; rest 10 minutes before serving.