Easy Baked Ziti

Remove sausage from the casings (slide a sharp knife down the center of each sausage and then using your hands just push the meat out from the casing). Discard the casing. Preheat oven to 350°F.

Combine the sausage and ground beef in a pan. Cook over medium heat until browned, continually breaking up the meat and mixing it together.

Cook your pasta according to the directions on the box to make it al dente. (It is very important not to overcook as you will continue baking it in the oven later.)

Pour your sauce into a large bowl or pot. Add the ricotta cheese and mix it in completely with the sauce. Next, add half of the mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Save the other 1 cup for later. Add your meat and pasta into the sauce and cheese. Mix well.

Pour your pasta into a casserole dish. Use a large pan if cooking the entire amount. Or split into two smaller (1 1/2 quart) pans to cook one meal now and freeze the other one for later. Sprinkle the remaining half of the mozzarella cheese on the top of the ziti. If using two casserole dishes, sprinkle half on one dish and half on the other. Cover your dish with foil.

Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until the entire dish is hot and the cheese has completely melted on top.