Cook 2 lbs ground beef until beef is fully cooked. Drain if necessary.

Season to taste with all named seasonings and add your minced garlic.

After cooking with garlic for 1 minute stir in your sauce.

Add 1-2 TBSP sugar (optional but balances the taste and acidity.)

Let this simmer on a medium low heat for 5-10 mins.

Bring a pot of water to A boil.

Salt it.

Add your 1 lb ziti pasta and let it boil for 2 mins less than the package instruction since it'll continue to cook in the oven.

Drain it immediately so it doesn’t continue to cook in the hot water.

Mix 15 oz ricotta with salt, pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp parsley, 1 egg, ½ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese & 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Mix your pasta into the ricotta mixture until the pasta is well coated then mix in 1 cup of your meat sauce as well.

Cover the bottom of your baking dish with about ½ cup of your meat sauce (I used a 9x13 inch baking dish) sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar over top of it.

Add half your ziti pasta.

Add half your meat sauce sprinkle A half cup grated parmesan then cover with ½ cup of shredded cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella.

Add the remaining half of your ziti, the remaining half of your meat sauce then evenly cover the top with your remaining cheeses.

Shredded cheddar first then finish with mozzarella on top.

Garnish with Italian seasoning and parsley.

Bake uncovered on 400 for about 20-25 mins or until you have the consistency that you want!

Broiling for 1-2 mins can help you achieve a browner crust on top if you desire. But set A timer and watch closely if you broil cause it can burn FAST!

Let your ziti rest for 10-15 mins before serving.