Recipe: Baked Ziti

1 package of uncooked ziti (16oz)
1 cup chopped onion (I usually a little less since I am not a huge onion fan)
1 pound of lean ground beef
3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
1 jar of spaghetti sauce (48 oz)
1 egg
1 container part skim ricotta cheese (15 oz)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, (8 oz)
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Cook pasta according to package direction.  Drain.

2. Meanwhile chop onion.  Place onion, ground beef, garlic in skillet.  Cook and stir over medium heat until beef is no longer pink.  Remove from heat.  Drain.  Stir in sauce.

3. In small bowl beat egg.  Add ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, parsley, and black pepper.  Add 1/4 parmesan cheese to mixture.

4. To assemble casserole, place cooked ziti in baking dish.  Add 6 cups of the meat sauce and mix well with ziti.  Spread ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.  Top with remaining meat sauce.  Bake 1 hour.  Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.  Continue baking for 10 minutes or until bubbly.

**This recipe does make a pretty big portion so I usually cut it down a bit!  This is super yummy and a great comfort food for the cooler weather!