Making the sauce:

Heat olive oil in your large pot over medium heat.

Add onions and garlic and sauté’ for several minutes until the onions are beginning to soften.

Add the Italian Sausage and ground beef and cook until browned; drain.

Add diced pepperoni, tomatoes, tomato sauce or marinara and spices; stir and simmer for 25-30 minutes.

Remove 3 cups of sauce to another bowl to cool down completely.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In separate large bowl, gently stir together ricotta cheese, 2 cups of grated Mozzarella, Parmesan, egg and salt and pepper.

Add the cooled pasta to this mixture and toss lightly to combine.

Pour in the cooled meat sauce next; toss to combine.

In your 9×13 dish, add half the pasta and spoon half the remaining sauce on top; add 1/2 remaining Mozzarella.

Repeat these same layers.

Bake 30 minutes until bubbly. Let stand 5-7 minutes before serving.