Step 1: Cook the pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti or penne pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the meat sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the ricotta filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, the egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the baked ziti

1. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a large baking dish.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the cooked pasta with half of the remaining meat sauce.
3. Layer half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
4. Add the remaining pasta on top, followed by the rest of the meat sauce.
5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.