Best Baked Ziti
Hands down, the Best Baked Ziti recipe ever!!
This is a Southern Living recipe & serves 8 - 10, depending on appetites. 2 medium onions, or less depending on your tastes; chopped. 1 T. olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 26 oz. jar (or a little more) of your favorite pasta sauce 3/4 tsp. salt (or 1/4 tsp. regular salt & 1/2 tsp. Montreal seasoning) 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 16 oz. box ziti 8 oz. Mozzarella cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese Sauce: I usually double the white sauce or at least make 1 1/2 recipes. 3 T. butter 3 T. all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 3 - 4 cups milk, depending on consistency. 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1. Heat oil in saucepan and saute onion until tender. Side note: If your family doesn't like the texture of chopped onions, but likes the flavor; then, use a food processor to dice the onions. Works like a charm to get the onion super small -- all the flavor, but none of the texture. 2. Add garlic to saucepan; saute 1 minute. 3. Add the ground beef; brown & crumble. Drain if necessary. Stir in the pasta sauce, and 1/2 tsp. salt. 4. Cook pasta; drain. 5. Making the sauce: This is a basic bechamel sauce recipe. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat; whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly. Whisk in the milk and stir constantly; cook until thick and bubbly. Stir in the nutmeg, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper, and Parmesan cheese. 6. Pour white sauce over drained pasta; stir to coat evenly. 7. Transfer into greased 9 x 13 inch pan. 8. Top with the beef mixture -- do not combine the noodles and beef/sauce mixture -- keep it layered. 9. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese & Mozzarella cheese. 10. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes in a 350 degree oven. This is company good. Serve with a green salad, a delicious bread and you're set to impress. Here's a link to our favorite bread & Greek Salad dressing for dipping. Best Bread Recipe Best Greek Salad Dressing Return to Best Dinners from Best Baked Ziti
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