
A comforting, bubbly casserole of al dente tube pasta layered with rich, herbed tomato sauce and three cheeses—golden and steaming straight from the oven. Each forkful balances savory meat, creamy ricotta, and crisped mozzarella for a homestyle crowd-pleaser.
1 lb ziti or penne, dry
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 clove garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef, 80/20
8 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
2 tbsp tomato paste
28 oz crushed tomatoes, canned
14 ½ oz diced tomatoes, canned
1 cup red wine, optional
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
1 tsp sugar
1 ½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
15 oz ricotta cheese, whole-milk
1 egg, large, beaten
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated, divided
16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
6 leaf fresh basil, chiffonade
1 tbsp butter
Nutritional information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.

Crisp, golden pastry tubes filled with a cool, sweet ricotta cream studded with chocolate and brightened with citrus and cinnamon—textural contrast in every bite.

Crisp, golden rice fritters with molten mozzarella at their center—the interior stretches like a phone cord when you pull them apart. A savory tomato-scented risotto is chilled, shaped around cheese, breaded and deep-fried for irresistible contrast of texture.

Slices of gently poached veal are chilled, then dressed in a silky tuna–capers emulsion for a cool, savory dish that balances rich meat with briny, lemon-bright flavors. Serve thinly sliced for an elegant make-ahead antipasto or light main.