Heat a deep skillet on medium-high high. Place the olive oil and butter in the skillet and let melt for one minute, then add minced onion, garlic, and carrot.

Sauté for 5 minutes until soft, then add in the lean ground beef and ground pork. Sauté and cook for an additional 5 minutes, making sure to break the meat up with a wooden spoon and mixing the vegetable mixture in with the meat.

Once the meat is fully cooked (no pink is showing) season the meat with the salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and granulated sugar.

Mix well and then pour the ziti noodles in the skillet. Pour 1 can of crushed tomatoes in the skillet. Mix the ziti, meat, and sauce together. Then add in the second can of crushed tomatoes. Mix well and add the water on top of the noodles. Mix well again, making sure the noodles are fully covered.

Place a lid on the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes until noodles are soft.

Preheat broiler to low.

Remove lid and mix the pasta. Use a cookie scoop and begin adding dollops of ricotta to the pot (lift up portions of the pasta and place dollops lower in the pot too). Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Place the oven-safe pot in the oven and bake until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serve meat ziti immediately and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.