BEST BAKED ZITI FOR A CROWD

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BEST BAKED ZITI FOR A CROWD image

Guests will RAVE over this cheesy and delicious baked ziti! The dish won first place in a "Chopped Competition" that my husband and I entered with some friends, and it's become one of our "go to" dishes to serve at group gatherings and parties. I also make it ahead of time and freeze it for holiday company and...

Provided by Jamie Tarence

Categories     Casseroles

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 lb dry ziti or penne pasta
1 c chopped onion (frozen is fine)
2 lb lean ground beef
1 hot italian sausage link, crumbled (optional)
4 jar(s) spaghetti sauce (26 ounce each)
3/4 lb sliced provolone (not smoked)
1 c sour cream
1 egg, beaten
16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
4 c mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 c freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp italian seasoning (optional)

Steps:

  • 1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti or penne pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • 2. In a large skillet, brown onion, ground beef and crumbled sausage over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
  • 3. In medium bowl, stir together ricotta, sour cream, egg & Italian seasoning.
  • 4. Spray one jumbo or two large aluminum foil pans with cooking spray.
  • 5. Layer ingredients as follows: • half of the sauce • half of the ziti • half of the Provolone cheese, • half of the mozzarella
  • 6. Layer remaining sauce, ziti, provolone & mozzarella.
  • 7. Spread all of ricotta/sour cream mixture on top.
  • 8. Sprinkle parmesan on top.
  • 9. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly, about 45 minutes.
  • 10. IF FREEZING: Assemble as above but do not bake. Wrap well, label, and freeze.
  • 11. TO COOK FROM FROZEN: Place in fridge to thaw a few days before serving. Bake at 350 until bubbly. Allow to rest at least a half hour before serving.

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