Easy Baked Ziti

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the ziti to the water. Cook for 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water. While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce.
4. Spray an extra-large skillet generously with nonstick cooking spray, then set over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, garlic powder, and 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook the beef for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until lightly browned.
5. Drain the fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the stove, and turn down the heat to medium-low. Pour the marinara sauce over the meat and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture.
6. Place the ricotta, Parmesan, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tsp. Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a rubber spatula to thoroughly combine.
7. Return the drained ziti to the large pot. Add the meat sauce and stir to thoroughly coat the noodles.
8. Transfer about 1/3 of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Drop half the ricotta mixture by spoonfuls over the ziti, and gently spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Repeat with another 1/3 of the noodles, the remaining ricotta, and another cup of mozzarella cheese. Top with the last 1/3 of noodles. Sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the top of the dish.
9. Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil.
10. Bake the spaghetti for 40 minutes on the middle rack of oven.
11. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes longer, until the cheese on top is golden-brown.
12. Check to see that ziti is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
13. Allow the ziti to rest for 20 minutes before serving.