Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 45 min

12 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 (15 ounce) cans Red Gold® Crushed Tomatoes or 1 28 ounce Can
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans Red Gold® Diced Tomatoes Basil, Garlic & Oregano 14.5 oz
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (15 ounce) carton low fat ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and black pepper to taste, fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until softened, several minutes.
2. Add sausage and ground beef, cook until browned. Drain off excess fat.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, basil, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes; stir to combine. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. After the cook time remove 3 to 4 cups of the sauce to a bowl to cool down.
4. In a separate bowl combine ricotta cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt and black pepper. Stir together but do not mix completely. Add the pasta and toss slightly to combine. Add cooled meat sauce and toss to combine.
5. Add half the coated pasta to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, and then top with half the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of coated pasta, sauce and cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle parsley over pasta before serving.