What’s a weeknight meal you make so often you don’t even think about it anymore?

It’s a classic American baked ziti that somehow ends up on our table at least twice a month.

How it goes (no measuring, just vibes):

1 lb ziti or penne

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

1 jar marinara sauce

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Ricotta cheese

Shredded mozzarella

A little Parmesan

Olive oil, salt, pepper

Boil the pasta in well-salted water and drain it a minute before it’s fully done.

While that’s going, brown the meat in a big pan with a little olive oil. Once it’s mostly cooked, add the onion and let it soften, then toss in the garlic for about 30 seconds. Pour in the marinara and let it simmer while the pasta finishes.

Then it’s just assembly: pasta + sauce mixed, a few spoonfuls of ricotta stirred in, dumped into a baking dish, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake at 375°F until it’s bubbly and browned on top. I never time it, I just wait until it looks right.

Serve with a bagged salad or garlic bread if I’m feeling ambitious. It feeds the family easily and tastes even better the next day, which is honestly why I keep making it.

So, what’s the meal you could cook on autopilot after a long day?