Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 to 4 whole cloves
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • Salt
  • 1/2 cup peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato puree
  • 1 tablespoon margarine, melted
  • 1 pound ziti, cooked
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for topping
  • Bechamel Sauce, recipe follows
  • 1 quart milk
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) margarine
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Freshly ground nutmeg

Method

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, onion, garlic, black pepper, to taste, the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and cloves and saute for a few minutes.
  • Add the ground beef, stirring continuously, until all the meat is cooked and browned.
  • Stir in salt, to taste, fresh tomato and tomato puree.
  • Let simmer for about 20 minutes, then remove the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and the whole cloves.
  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
  • Brush a large casserole dish generously with melted margarine.
  • Add the cooked ziti, beaten egg, cheese and the meat mixture.
  • Mix until well combined.
  • Top with Bechamel Sauce and sprinkle with more grated Parmigiano.
  • Bake uncovered for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
  • Remove from the oven and serve.
  • Heat the milk in medium saucepan over low heat.
  • In separate medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the margarine, then add the flour and mix well.
  • Stir in the heated milk, beaten eggs, cheese, salt, pepper and nutmeg, to taste.
  • Whisk until thickened.
  • Keep warm until ready to use.