Pull the brisket from the Refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to let it approach room temperature. Trim hard fat down to about a quarter inch. Apply your dry rub or salt-and-pepper blend evenly over the whole surface, pressing it in firmly. Soak Wood Chips in water for at least 30 minutes if your Smoker uses chips, or prep wood chunks and pellets per your smoker's directions. Empty the drip tray before you start. Set aside unwaxed Butcher Paper or heavy-duty Aluminum Foil for wrapping later in the cook.

Preheat your Smoker to 225–250°F and verify the temperature with a standalone Meat Thermometer. Add Wood Chips, chunks, or pellets per your smoker's instructions. Place the brisket fat side up with the point end toward the heat source. Close the smoker and avoid opening it often. Check wood and adjust vents every 45 minutes to hold 225–250°F. Rotate the brisket every 3 hours and flip if one side colors faster. Smoke uncovered until the internal temperature hits 165°F and a dark bark has formed, about 5 to 8 hours. Wrap tightly in Butcher Paper or Aluminum Foil, return to the smoker, and continue until an Instant-Read Thermometer reads 195–203°F and the meat is very tender but not falling apart, roughly 4 to 5 more hours. Total cook time is typically 8 to 12 hours. Use internal temperature and texture as your doneness cues, not the clock alone.

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended and 1 lb sweet Italian sausage casings removed. Break the meat up with a Wooden Spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan.

Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced 1 yellow onion finely diced and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add the 4 cloves garlic minced and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Pour in the 2 can crushed tomatoes. Stir in the 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (if using), 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity, 1 tbsp salt for pasta water, and ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.

In a large Mixing Bowl, combine the 15 oz whole-milk ricotta, beaten 1 egg lightly beaten, ¼ cup of the ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, divided, 1 tbsp salt for pasta water, and ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Remove from the Oven and let the baked 1 lb ziti pasta rest for 10 minutes before serving — this helps it hold together when scooping. Garnish with fresh 1 tsp dried basil and serve hot.

Pull the brisket from the Refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to let it approach room temperature. Trim hard fat down to about a quarter inch. Apply your dry rub or salt-and-pepper blend evenly over the whole surface, pressing it in firmly. Soak Wood Chips in water for at least 30 minutes if your Smoker uses chips, or prep wood chunks and pellets per your smoker's directions. Empty the drip tray before you start. Set aside unwaxed Butcher Paper or heavy-duty Aluminum Foil for wrapping later in the cook. Preheat your smoker to 225–250°F and verify the temperature with a standalone Meat Thermometer. Add wood chips, chunks, or pellets per your smoker's instructions. Place the brisket fat side up with the point end toward the heat source. Close the smoker and avoid opening it often. Check wood and adjust vents every 45 minutes to hold 225–250°F. Rotate the brisket every 3 hours and flip if one side colors faster. Smoke uncovered until the internal temperature hits 165°F and a dark bark has formed, about 5 to 8 hours. Wrap tightly in butcher paper or foil, return to the smoker, and continue until an Instant-Read Thermometer reads 195–203°F and the meat is very tender but not falling apart, roughly 4 to 5 more hours. Total cook time is typically 8 to 12 hours. Use internal temperature and texture as your doneness cues, not the clock alone.

Pull the brisket from the Refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to let it approach room temperature. Trim hard fat down to about a quarter inch. Apply your dry rub or salt-and-pepper blend evenly over the whole surface, pressing it in firmly. Soak Wood Chips in water for at least 30 minutes if your Smoker uses chips, or prep wood chunks and pellets per your smoker's directions. Empty the drip tray before you start. Set aside unwaxed Butcher Paper or heavy-duty Aluminum Foil for wrapping later in the cook. Preheat your smoker to 225–250°F and verify the temperature with a standalone Meat Thermometer. Add wood chips, chunks, or pellets per your smoker's instructions. Place the brisket fat side up with the point end toward the heat source. Close the smoker and avoid opening it often. Check wood and adjust vents every 45 minutes to hold 225–250°F. Rotate the brisket every 3 hours and flip if one side colors faster. Smoke uncovered until the internal temperature hits 165°F and a dark bark has formed, about 5 to 8 hours. Wrap tightly in butcher paper or foil, return to the smoker, and continue until an Instant-Read Thermometer reads 195–203°F and the meat is very tender but not falling apart, roughly 4 to 5 more hours. Total cook time is typically 8 to 12 hours. Use internal temperature and texture as your doneness cues, not the clock alone.

Pull the brisket from the Refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to let it approach room temperature. Trim hard fat down to about a quarter inch. Apply your dry rub or salt-and-pepper blend evenly over the whole surface, pressing it in firmly. Soak Wood Chips in water for at least 30 minutes if your Smoker uses chips, or prep wood chunks and pellets per your smoker's directions. Empty the drip tray before you start. Set aside unwaxed Butcher Paper or heavy-duty Aluminum Foil for wrapping later in the cook. Preheat your smoker to 225–250°F and verify the temperature with a standalone Meat Thermometer. Add wood chips, chunks, or pellets per your smoker's instructions. Place the brisket fat side up with the point end toward the heat source. Close the smoker and avoid opening it often. Check wood and adjust vents every 45 minutes to hold 225–250°F. Rotate the brisket every 3 hours and flip if one side colors faster. Smoke uncovered until the internal temperature hits 165°F and a dark bark has formed, about 5 to 8 hours. Wrap tightly in butcher paper or foil, return to the smoker, and continue until an Instant-Read Thermometer reads 195–203°F and the meat is very tender but not falling apart, roughly 4 to 5 more hours. Total cook time is typically 8 to 12 hours. Use internal temperature and texture as your doneness cues, not the clock alone.

Pull the brisket from the Refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to let it approach room temperature. Trim hard fat down to about a quarter inch. Apply your dry rub or salt-and-pepper blend evenly over the whole surface, pressing it in firmly. Soak Wood Chips in water for at least 30 minutes if your Smoker uses chips, or prep wood chunks and pellets per your smoker's directions. Empty the drip tray before you start. Set aside unwaxed Butcher Paper or heavy-duty Aluminum Foil for wrapping later in the cook. Preheat your smoker to 225–250°F and verify the temperature with a standalone Meat Thermometer. Add wood chips, chunks, or pellets per your smoker's instructions. Place the brisket fat side up with the point end toward the heat source. Close the smoker and avoid opening it often. Check wood and adjust vents every 45 minutes to hold 225–250°F. Rotate the brisket every 3 hours and flip if one side colors faster. Smoke uncovered until the internal temperature hits 165°F and a dark bark has formed, about 5 to 8 hours. Wrap tightly in butcher paper or foil, return to the smoker, and continue until an Instant-Read Thermometer reads 195–203°F and the meat is very tender but not falling apart, roughly 4 to 5 more hours. Total cook time is typically 8 to 12 hours. Use internal temperature and texture as your doneness cues, not the clock alone.