Cheesy Baked Ziti with Bacon and Ground Beef

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:
  • 1 pound (450g) ziti or rigatoni pasta
  • Salt, for the pasta water
• For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Cheese Layer:
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
   • In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break the meat into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
   • Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
   • Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Assemble the Baked Ziti:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and half of the crispy bacon. If you like a creamier texture, you can also mix in the ricotta cheese at this stage.
   • Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish (9×13 inches or similar size).
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta.
   • Top with the remaining bacon pieces.
4. Bake the Dish:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden-brown spots.
5. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!