Creating your own Baked Ziti with Mozzarella is a rewarding experience. Follow these steps to achieve pasta perfection:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
4. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
5. Combine Sauce and Meat: Stir in the marinara sauce into the meat mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, fresh basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
7. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce. Add half of the mozzarella cheese and mix well.
8. Layer: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over it and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese. Add the rest of the ziti mixture, topping it with the remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
9. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve: Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

By following these steps attentively, you’ll create a delightful dish of Baked Ziti with Mozzarella that everyone will love.