“Ultimate Four-Cheese Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce: A Comforting Italian Feast”

Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assemble the Baked Ziti:
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer half of the cooked ziti on top, followed by half of the cheese mixture, and then half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat with the second layer of pasta, cheese, and sauce.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving and Storage Tips: