Follow these steps to bring a taste of my family’s tradition into your home.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes, then stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This step always reminds me of my time in Italy, where I learned the importance of letting ingredients speak for themselves.
6. Combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
7. Transfer the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden crust forming on top.
9. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

As you bake, remember that cooking is about creating memories, not just meals. It’s something I cherish deeply, especially when my daughters join me in the kitchen.