Italian Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Basil

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn

Instructions

1. 1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2 Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. 4 Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. 5 Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7 minutes.
6. 6 Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
7. 7 Combine the cooked ziti with the sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella in a large baking dish. Mix well.
8. 8 Top the ziti mixture with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. 9 Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. 10 Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.