GREEK BAKED ZITI

Greek Baked Ziti image

Provided by Daily Inspiration S

Categories Beef

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 19

12 oz ziti pasta
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
2 15-oz. cans tomato sauce
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 c milk
1 c grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
vegetable spray
8 oz package shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 c fine dry breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta in a dutch oven according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, saute onion in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 4-5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; saute 30 seconds. Add beef; cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until crumbled and no longer pink. Drain mixture, and return to skillet.
3. Stir tomato sauce, next 4 ingredients, and 1 tsp. salt into meat mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Increase heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, 5-7 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Stir in parmesan cheese, pepper and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Add sauce to pasta, stirring to coat.
5. Transfer pasta mixture to a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Top with beef mixture, mozzarella cheese and bread crumbs.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.