best baked ziti for a crowd

Name: BEST BAKED ZITI FOR A CROWD
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Yield: 20
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pound(s) dry ziti or penne pasta; 1 cup(s) chopped onion (frozen is fine); 2 pound(s) lean ground beef; 1 hot italian sausage link, crumbled (optional); 4 jar(s) spaghetti sauce (26 ounce each); 3/4 pound(s) sliced provolone (not smoked); 1 cup(s) sour cream; 1 egg, beaten; 16 ounce(s) whole milk ricotta cheese; 4 cup(s) mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup(s) freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon(s) italian seasoning (optional)

28 Pinches 2 Photos

Jamie Tarence

Birmingham, AL

Updated on Oct 14, 2019

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 entertaining. Easier than lasagna (and just as yummy!), Best Baked Ziti For a Crowd truly lives up to its name: it's absolutely delicious and will feed up to 20 people! For more great recipes, please visit http://familysavvy.com xoxo~Jamie

Rate

prep time 30 Min

cook time 45 Min

method Bake

yield 20 serving(s)

Ingredients

2 pounds dry ziti or penne pasta
1 cup chopped onion (frozen is fine)
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 hot italian sausage link, crumbled (optional)
4 jars spaghetti sauce (26 ounce each)
3/4 pound sliced provolone (not smoked)
1 cup sour cream
1 egg, beaten
16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon italian seasoning (optional)

How To Make best baked ziti for a crowd

Step 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.

Step 2

In a large skillet, brown onion, ground beef and crumbled sausage over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
Step 3

In medium bowl, stir together ricotta, sour cream, egg & Italian seasoning.
Step 4

Spray one jumbo or two large aluminum foil pans with cooking spray.
Step 5

Layer ingredients as follows: • half of the sauce • half of the ziti • half of the Provolone cheese, • half of the mozzarella
Step 6

Layer remaining sauce, ziti, provolone & mozzarella.
Step 7

Spread all of ricotta/sour cream mixture on top.
Step 8

Sprinkle parmesan on top.
Step 9

Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly, about 45 minutes.
Step 10

IF FREEZING: Assemble as above but do not bake. Wrap well, label, and freeze.
Step 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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