Cook the Pasta and Meat:

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Make the Sauce:

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until softened.
4. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

5. Mix Ricotta and Egg: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Baked Ziti:

6. Layer the Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Add Layers: Layer half the cooked ziti, half the meat sauce, and half the ricotta mixture. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture.
8. Top with Cheese: Finish with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

Bake:

9. Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Rest and Serve:

11. Cool and Garnish: Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.