Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but tasty)
• Salt for pasta water

Steps

1. Boil pasta in salted water until just under al dente—1–2 minutes before the package time—then drain.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer 2–3 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, beef-sauce mixture, ricotta, and half the mozzarella; stir well.
5. Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish; sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes; uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. To freeze: let cool completely, wrap tightly in foil plus plastic wrap for extra protection. Bake covered at 375°F for 70–80 minutes (or until hot in the center), uncovering the last 10 minutes to brown.