Baked Ziti

Pretty simple to make, feeds plenty, tastes great. I also like my baked ziti meaty, saucy, and cheesy all at the same time.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  lb  dry ziti pasta (Try something new, go whole wheat.)
• 1⁄2 onion, chopped
• 1  lb lean ground beef
• 1⁄2 lb  hot itialian sausage
• 3 (24 ounce) jars  spaghetti sauce (I used a whatever I had left from a pot of homemade sauce, I think it was about 3 jars)
• 6  ounces provolone cheese, sliced
• 1 1⁄2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1  lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 5  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 2  tablespoons  crushed  red peppers (optional)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, brown onion, ground beef, and italian sausage over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce and optional crushed red pepper, and simmer.
2. While the sauce simmers, start bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain. Mix together the drained pasta with the ricotta cheese.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly Butter/Oil or do nothing to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows:
4. Layer 1: 1/2 of the ziti/ricotta mixture, mixed with half of the sauce.
5. Layer 2: Lay out the slices of provolone cheese.
6. Layer 3: Combine the rest of the ziti/ricotta, sauce and grated parmesan cheese over the provolone.
7. Layer 4: Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.
8. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted to your satisfaction.