Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil
  • 1 large (200 g) Yellow Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage, removed from casings)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 1 (28 oz/794g) can Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz/425g) can Tomato Sauce
  • 1 (6 oz/170g) can Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 lb (450g) Ziti Pasta
  • 15 oz (425g) Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup (30g) Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/4 cup (15g) Chopped Fresh Parsley
  • 8 oz (225g) Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp (30g) Bread Crumbs (Panko or Italian seasoned)
  • 1 tbsp (15g) Melted Butter
  • Pinch of Parmesan Cheese

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. While the sauce simmers, cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well.
  6. Add the cooked ziti to the sauce in the Dutch oven and stir to combine.
  7. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  8. Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top.
  9. Cover the Dutch oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown.
  10. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.