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1
Preheat a dutch oven or 5 or 6-quart pot over medium-high heat.
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2
Crumble ground beef and ground pork, break into small bits with a wooden spoon, and cook until all the pink is gone.
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3
Place a colander over a large mixing bowl and drain meat into the colander.
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4
Return pot to stove.
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5
Preheat oven to 350.
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6
Cook ziti according to package directions.
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7
Drain thoroughly and set aside.
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8
Over medium heat, add the olive oil, heat briefly, then add the red pepper flakes and fennel seeds, heating for a minute or so.
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9
Add diced onions and green peppers, stir and cook until onion is translucent, taking care not to let them brown.
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10
Season with salt and pepper.
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11
Add the garlic and stir.
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12
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until mushrooms are thoroughly cooked down, about 5 minutes or so.
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13
Return the meat to the pot and re-season with salt and pepper.
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14
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, wine, oregano, marjoram and thyme.
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15
Stir, cover and simmer over medium low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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16
Stir the cooked ziti into the meat sauce mixture, and mix thoroughly.
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17
Ladle into a large casserole dish.
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18
Cover the top with the cheddar cheese.
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19
Bake uncovered in a 350 oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
