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1
Preheat the oven to 375u00b0F.
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2
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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3
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the ziti to the water. Cook for 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water. While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce.
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4
Spray an extra-large skillet generously with nonstick cooking spray, then set over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, garlic powder, and 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook the beef for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until lightly browned.
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5
Drain the fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the stove, and turn down the heat to medium-low. Pour the marinara sauce over the meat and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture.
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6
Place the ricotta, Parmesan, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tsp. Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a rubber spatula to thoroughly combine.
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7
Return the drained ziti to the large pot. Add the meat sauce and stir to thoroughly coat the noodles.
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8
Transfer about 1/3 of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Drop half the ricotta mixture by spoonfuls over the ziti, and gently spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Repeat with another 1/3 of the noodles, the remaining ricotta, and another cup of mozzarella cheese. Top with the last 1/3 of noodles. Sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the top of the dish.
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9
Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil.
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10
Bake the spaghetti for 40 minutes on the middle rack of oven.
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11
Remove the aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes longer, until the cheese on top is golden-brown.
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12
Check to see that ziti is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
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13
Allow the ziti to rest for 20 minutes before serving.
