Creating your Baked Ziti is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they become translucent.

4. Cook Meat: Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

5. Combine Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.

6. Mix Cheese: In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.

7. Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and then half of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

9. Let Cool: Allow the Baked Ziti to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set for easier slicing.

10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!