Makes 8-10 servings.
Total time: 2 hours
Cook pasta until not quite al dente and drain:
- 16 ounces (by weight) Ziti (or Penne, or Mostaccioli), cooked until not quite al dente
Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
In a pot over medium heat, saute until the onions soften:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 whole large onion, diced
Add meat and cook over high heat until browned.
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
When meat is cooked through, season to taste:
Try oregano instead of thyme here next time.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (only if not using fresh basil later)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (or 1.5 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- Salt & pepper
Drain off excess fat, if necessary.
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Simmer for 30 minutes:
- 28 ounce can whole tomatoes with juice
- 2 cans tomato sauce (or marinara sauce)
Season to taste.
- 1/4 cup (~8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup (~8 grams) fresh basil, chopped (~8 grams)
- Salt & pepper
Set aside meat sauce.
In the large mixing bowl with the pasta, gently mix together (leave clumps):
- Cooked pasta
- 16 ounces whole milk ricotta
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (another 8 ounces is required later)
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 1 egg
- Salt & pepper
Set aside in the refrigerator.
In a large casserole dish, layer together (from bottom to top):
- Half the pasta & cheese sauce
- Half the meat sauce
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4" thick
- Half the pasta & cheese sauce
- Half the meat sauce
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4" thick
Bake until internal temperature reads 160 F (about 30 minutes).
Garnish:
- Parsley, minced
- Parmesan