This is a great recipe to double and freeze one for a later date.

1 (16oz) package ziti pasta

1 pound mild Italian sausage casings removed (I used ground beef instead)

1Tbsp minced garlic

2 (26) jars marinara sauce

1 1/2 tsp dried basil divided

1 small onion chopped

1 cup chopped eggplant (the kids don’t even know it’s there!)

12 oz ricotta cheese

1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided

1 dash salt and pepper (I don’t use these)

1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

Saute onion and eggplant with garlic in a large, deep skillet.  Set aside in a bowl.  Then in the same skillet place sausage (ground beef).  Cook over medium high heat until evenly browned.  Drain and mix together with onion and eggplant.  In a large saucepan, heat marinara with 1 tsp basil until bubbling.  In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.

Spray bottom of 9×13 pan (or I used 2 8×8 pans).  Spread pan with sauce.  Layer 1/2 of the ziti, 1/2 the meat, 1/2 of the ricotta and 1/2 the mozzarella.  Spoon half the sauce over top.  Repeat layers.  Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 tsp basil and Italian seasoning.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.