Ingredients:

• 12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 4 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup pasta water
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• fresh chopped basil for garnish as desired

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain (reserving 1/2 cup of starchy water) and return pasta to the pot.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add onions cook until they start to turn translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet; season with paprika, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook ground beef for 5 minutes, or until browned, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce. Stir in the reserved water and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust spices to your taste.
5. Add about 2 cups of the beef sauce to the cooked pasta; stir to combine. Transfer pasta to previously prepared baking dish. Add several tablespoons of ricotta over the pasta. The mounds of ricotta should be small and spread out around the pan. Pour remaining sauce over the pasta. Top with cheeses.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted and mixture is bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped basil and serve.