Hearty Baked Ziti with Beef and Basil

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer. Repeat with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the baked ziti stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.