Best Baked Ziti Ever

Ingredients

Scaled for your household (8 portions) · original serves 8

• Beef mince1 lb
• Olive oil2 tbsp
• Brown onion1
• Brown Mushroom8 oz
• Garlic cloves5 tsp
• Tomato puree (paste)1 oz
• Tomatoes1 oz
• Tomato sauce1 oz
• Basil1 tbsp
• Dried Oregano1 tbsp
• Salt½ tsp
• Black Pepper¼ tsp
• Dried pasta1 lb
• Cooking cream8 oz
  softened)
• Ricotta8 oz
• Parmesan1 cup

Method

1. 1

   Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil into a large, deep skillet, on medium-high heat. stir in in 1 pound ground beef; then brown, 5 minutes. stir in in 1 medium white onion (diced) and 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional). Saute for 5 to 7 minutes until onions are soft and translucent, and ground beef is cooked through.

2. 2

   Stir in in 5 teaspoons minced garlic; then 1 (6 ounce can) tomato paste and toast for about 2 minutes. Pour in 1 (28 ounce can) crushed tomatoes and 1 (15 ounce can) tomato sauce. mix in 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until pasta is ready.

3. 3

   Cook 1 pound ziti pasta in boiling water, following the packet directions. Preheat oven to 350°F.

4. 4

   Prepare the cheese topping in a small mixing bowl by combining 8 ounces cream cheese, 8 ounces ricotta cheese,; then 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix together until smooth.

5. 5

   Once the pasta is done, drain; then stir in it into the meat sauce and mix to mix together. Pour it into a lightly greased 9x13-inch pan. Spread cheese mixture on top of the pasta.

6. 6

   Bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted; then bubbly. Serve hot.