My 18-year old son said this was the BEST supper I've ever made. I wasn't sure how to take that but I'll be making it again. :)

Baked Ziti

Prep: 20 min., Cook: 25 min., Bake: 25 min., Stand: 10 min.

1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (26-ounce) jar tomato-and-basil pasta sauce
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 (16-ounce) box ziti pasta
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauté chopped onion in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Add beef, and cook, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain beef mixture, and return to pan. Stir in pasta sauce and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

Cook pasta in a large Dutch oven according to package directions. Drain and return to Dutch oven.

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in Parmesan cheese, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Pour sauce over pasta in Dutch oven, stirring until pasta is evenly coated.

Transfer pasta mixture to a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top evenly with beef mixture; sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.


Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings