Baked Ziti

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasonings
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 (25 ounce) jars pasta sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) box ziti pasta

Note: This recipe can be made in either a slow cooker or in the oven. The pasta should be cooked in advance (following package directions) if it will go in the oven, but not if it will go in the slow cooker.

Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink. Stir in seasonings to evenly coat the meat then stir in the pasta sauce and set aside.

Mix 1 cup mozzarella, the ricotta, and the parmesan in a medium bowl. Spoon 2 cups of the meat sauce into either a slow cooker or a 13x9 pan; top with 2 cups of ziti. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the ziti, carefully spreading it with the back of the spoon. Layer with 2 more cups of meat sauce, the remaining ziti, and the remaining cheese mixture. Add the remaining meat sauce, completely covering all the ziti and cheese.

If using a slow cooker: cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are tender. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and let stand for 10 minutes until melted.

If using the oven: bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.