Baked Ziti

3 cups ziti, uncooked
3/4 lb. ground beef or sausage
3 cups (about 28-oz. jar) spaghetti sauce
1 3/4 cups (15 oz.) ricotta cheese
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Mozzarella, divided
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta according to package directions for 8 minutes; drain. Meanwhile, in large skillet over medium heat, brown meat until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce; simmer 10 minutes. In small bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese and seasonings; set aside. Toss hot pasta with meat sauce. Spoon half pasta mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish; spread cheese mixture over top. Layer with remaining pasta, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover loosely with foil; bake 25 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5 minutes or until hot and bubbly. 7 servings (1 cup each).

My friend Marilyn Surdakowski made a good baked ziti much like this. She passed away in July 2009.