Creating the perfect Creamy Baked Ziti is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Brown Meat: Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Add Tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Mix Cheese: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well until smooth.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with the meat sauce until well coated.
8. Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining ziti and ricotta.
9. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
10. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible Creamy Baked Ziti effortlessly!