CREAMY BAKED ZITI

Creamy Baked Ziti image

Provided by MTpockets

Time 55m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, Chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 (12 ounce) box ziti pasta or 1 (12 ounce) box penne pasta
2 minced garlic cloves
1 (26 ounce) jar tomato and basil pasta sauce
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoons Olive oil and onions and saute 5 minutes or until tender.
Add beef and brown.
Meanwhile, In a large pot or dutch oven, cook pasta ala dente and drain well.
Brown beef until it's no longer pink and drain off fat.
In the same skillet, add to beef and onions, 1/2 teaspoons salt, garlic, pasta sauce, tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
Stir to blend, Then set aside.
In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over low heat, add flour and whisk constantly until smooth and well blended or about 1 minute, gradually add milk and simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture bubbles and thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese and remaining 1/4 tsp salt and pepper.
Pour beef mixture and milk mixture into dutch oven with noodles and mix until well blended.
Transfer entire mixture to a large, buttered, baking dish or nonstick lasagne pan, top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake at 350' for 20-25 minutes or until mixture is heated through and bubbly and cheese is melted and becoming crusty.
** sometimes I add 1/2 the cheese to beef mixture and then top with the other half.
Let stand approximately 5-10 minutes, and serve.