Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat, stir in minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Add Sauce and Seasoning: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with meat, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat.

Create Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta with half of the mozzarella and grated Parmesan until creamy.

Assemble Layers: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of cooked ziti, meat sauce, and dollops of cheese mixture. Repeat the process with remaining ingredients.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cover dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden.