BEST BAKED ZITI FOR A CROWD

BEST BAKED ZITI FOR A CROWD image

Provided by Jamie Tarence

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.