Baked Ziti

After the last, delicious success with the baked ziti, I decided, "hey, let's try it again - on purpose!"

Sauce Ingredients:
1/2 small onion (in this case, walla walla)
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
2 baby carrots, diced
1 small can of mushrooms, strained (alternatively, 2-3large mushrooms, sliced)
1/4lb ground beef
1 large clove of garlic
some extra virgin olive oil
Garlic Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Oregano
Sage
Garlic & Herb Mrs. Dash

Remaining Ingredients:
1 package penne pasta, cooked
1 handful cheese mix (I used provolone, asiago, romano, and something else cheese mix from Sargento)
some grated gouda and parmesan for the top


First, I started the water boiling and preheated the oven to 350. Then I diced the carrot, garlic, and onion, and started it in the large pan with some olive oil (just a drizzle - around the pan once, and it's enough.).

Once they're sweated, toss in the ground beef. When it's started to brown, add the mushrooms. When it is all cooked, add the tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Add spices, cover, and simmer. Do taste occasionally, and spice as needed! (Please use a clean spoon when tasting!)

When the pasta is cooked, strain and return to the pot (off the heat!) Cut the heat under the sauce, pour it on top of the pasta. Add one generous handful of cheese mix. Stir together, dole into 4 ramekins. Add the gouda/parmesan on top, and bake 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven, place ramekin on a plate for safety, and serve. Yum yum yum!!!