# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
→ Sauce
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef, optional
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
09 - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
10 - 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon sugar
→ Cheese Mixture
14 - 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
15 - 1 large egg
16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Select a disposable or freezer-safe 9x13-inch baking dish for optimal freezing capability.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add ziti and cook until just barely al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent adhesion.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
04 - If incorporating sausage or ground beef, add to skillet and cook while breaking apart with a spoon until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes into skillet. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
06 - In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and uniform.
07 - Spread 1 cup sauce across bottom of prepared baking dish. Layer half the cooked pasta, then half the ricotta mixture, then half the remaining sauce. Repeat layers. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
08 - Allow casserole to cool completely. Cover tightly with aluminum foil, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
09 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake covered casserole for 60-75 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20-25 minutes more until bubbling and golden brown. If baking fresh, reduce covered baking time to 30 minutes, then uncover for 15 minutes.
10 - Allow baked ziti to stand for 10 minutes before serving to ensure proper set and optimal texture.
