Extra Meaty Baked Ziti

I know there are a lot of baked ziti recipes out there but this one has double the meat. My husband loves beef and I usually end up putting in more meat than is called for. This is so hearty and delicious. I often like to add a can of drained stewed tomatoes or diced tomatoes. I have also added a little bit of cottage cheese to the ricotta mixture to use it up. It still tasted great :) Make sure to serve with breadsticks or garlic bread!

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 9-12

Ingredients

• 1  lb ziti pasta
• 2  lbs lean ground beef
• 2  garlic cloves, minced (optional)
• 1  medium onion, chopped (optional)
• 42  ounces  favorite  spaghetti sauce
• 2  eggs
• 15  ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1  teaspoon  italian seasoning (optional) or 1  teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
• 2 1⁄2 cups  shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1⁄2 cup  grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
3. Stir in spaghetti sauce.
4. In a bowl, combine the eggs, ricotta, Italian seasoning or parsley if desired, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture and stir to coat evenly.
6. Spoon a third of the meat sauce into a greased 9x13 pan; top with half of the pasta mixture.
7. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce.
8. Cover and bake at 350 for 40 minutes.
9. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
11. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.