Ingredients
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1 lb uncooked ziti pasta
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1/4 cup melted butter
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1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 pinch nutmeg
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1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt or 1/2 teaspoon white salt
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3 large eggs, beaten
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 -2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
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2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
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1 1/2 lbs extra lean ground beef
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1/3 cup tomato paste
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1/2 cup dry red wine
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1 cup beef broth
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/2 cup butter
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 pinch cayenne pepper
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1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
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1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (or to taste) or 1/2 teaspoon white salt (or to taste)
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3 cups 18% table cream or 3 cups half-and-half cream
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
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1 large egg, slightly beaten
Instructions
- Set oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot cook the pasta in boiling water with 1 tablespoons salt until al dente; drain and return the cooked pasta to the pot.
- To the pasta add in 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, pinch nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; mix until combined then allow to cool slightly.
- Add in eggs and mix well; set aside.
- For the meat sauce; heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat; add in onion and crushed chili flakes, cook for about 4 minutes.
- Add in garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add in extra lean ground beef; cook breaking up the meat with a spoon or fork until browned.
- Add in tomato paste, wine, beef broth, salt and pepper; mix well, then cover and simmer over low heat for about 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile while the meat sauce is cooking prepare the bechamel sauce; melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour and cayenne pepper; cook stirring for about 2 minutes.
- Add in cream and nutmeg; bring to a boil whisking/stirring constantly then cook for about 1 minute.
- Cool for about 10 minutes before whisking in the egg.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Remove about 1/2 cup bechamel sauce and mix into to the already cooked ground beef mixture.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- TO ASSEMBLE; spoon HALF of the ziti mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Top the ziti mixture with ALL of the meat sauce, then top with remaining ziti mixture.
- Pour ALL the bechamel sauce over the ziti mixture then spread out with a spoon to cover.
- Top with about 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (can use more or less).
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to rest for about 20 minutes before slicing.