Extra Meaty Baked Ziti - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
2 lbs lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
42 ounces favorite spaghetti sauce
2 eggs
15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon italian seasoning (optional) or 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
2 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preparation

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
Stir in spaghetti sauce.
In a bowl, combine the eggs, ricotta, Italian seasoning or parsley if desired, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and Parmesan.
Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture and stir to coat evenly.
Spoon a third of the meat sauce into a greased 9x13 pan; top with half of the pasta mixture.
Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce.
Cover and bake at 350 for 40 minutes.
Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.