Never had this version of ziti before, but it was to die for!

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
5. Add oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well.
6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly.
7. Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if desired). Remove from heat.

3. Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom.
3. Add half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
4. Dollop and spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
5. Pour half of the remaining sauce over the cheese layer.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
7. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve hot, ideally with garlic bread or a simple green salad for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for the Ultimate Ziti Experience

• Cheese Variation: Swap half the mozzarella with provolone for extra creaminess.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the ziti a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

This version of baked ziti is creamy, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor that make it irresistibly comforting. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s “to die for”!

If you want, I can also create a shorter, super-easy version of this recipe that takes under 30 minutes but keeps it just as delicious. That could be perfect for busy weeknights. Do you want me to do that?