Baked Ziti (Easy Pasta Casserole)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain.

In a deep pan or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is fully cooked through and onions are softened (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sauteé for another minute. Add 5 cups marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, and continue cooking for 5 minutes then turn off the heat.

Spread a ladle of meat sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish.

Add chopped basil and spoon in ricotta into the remaining sauce. Add cooked pasta and stir just until noodles are coated (you want to keep that ricotta texture).

Transfer half of the pasta to the casserole dish. Top with 1/2 of the shredded mozzarella and 1/2 of the grated parmesan. Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.

Clear the edges of the pan so the cheese doesn’t burn onto the dish. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese. Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with basil if desired and serve.