This cheesy casserole is a hearty mozzarella-topped comfort dish with loads of saucy beef (or turkey if you choose to use) and perfectly tender pasta.

Baked Ziti

Makes 8 to 10 servings

1 (16 oz.) box ziti pasta
½ medium onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey
1 (26 oz.) jar of tomato and basil pasta sauce
¾ tsp. salt divided
3 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. all purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp. pepper
1 (8 oz) pkg shredded mozzarella cheese

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

While pasta is cooking, 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 (or turkey) and cook stirring until beef (turkey) crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain meat and return to pan. Stir in pasta sauce and ½ tsp. salt. Set aside.

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 ¼ tsp. 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 meat mixture, sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.

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

God bless,