Baked Ziti (Freezer Friendly)
Ingredients
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 2 largeonions
finely diced
- 8 clovesgarlic
large minced
- 2 lbground beef
- 48 ozmarinara sauce
- salt and pepper
- italian seasoning
- 1 lbdry ziti pasta
- 12slices provolone cheese
- 8 ozmozzarella cheese grated
- 8 ozsour cream
- 4 ozparmesan cheese grated
Directions
Meat sauce
- 1
In a Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook 2 large onions (finely diced) until translucent.
- 2
Add the 8 cloves garlic (minced) and cook for 30 seconds.
- 3
Add 2 pound ground beef, and brown.
- 4
Add 48 ounces marinara saucesalt and pepper and Italian seasoning to taste, mix well.
- 5
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- 6
Test for seasoning and adjust as necessary.
Pasta
- 1
Cook 1 pound dry ziti pasta until al dente and drain. Set aside for assembly.
Assembly
- 1
In a 9×13 pan, layer ingredients in order
- 2
Pasta
- 3
12 slices provolone cheese
- 4
8 ounces mozzarella cheese grated
- 5
Meat sauce
- 6
8 ounces sour cream
- 7
Then repeat:
- 8
Pasta
- 9
Provolone
- 10
Mozzarella
- 11
Meat sauce
- 12
4 ounces parmesan cheese grated
To eat immediately
- 1
Bake in a preheated oven (350°) for about 30 minutes, or until it bubbles around the top/sides.
To freeze
- 1
Cool completely, and top with foil. Wrap with plastic wrap.
- 2
Cooking from frozen
- 3
Thaw, bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes or until bubbly around the top/sides.
Baked Ziti (Freezer Friendly)
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 5 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Baked Ziti: Your Ultimate Cheesy, Freezer-Friendly Comfort Food
Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate Italian-American classic: Baked Ziti! This isn't just any pasta dish; it's a hearty, gooey, and incredibly satisfying main course that truly embodies comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, our Baked Ziti recipe stands out with its rich flavors and incredible freezer-friendly capabilities.
What makes this particular cheesy baked ziti so special? It starts with a robust, flavorful meat sauce featuring savory ground beef, aromatic onions, and plenty of minced garlic, all simmered in a generous amount of marinara sauce and seasoned with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. This hearty foundation is layered with perfectly cooked ziti pasta, creating a delightful texture in every bite. But the real magic happens with the luxurious cheese blend. We combine classic mozzarella and parmesan with creamy sour cream and a generous twelve slices of provolone cheese, ensuring an unbelievably gooey and stretchy result that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
This recipe yields a generous 12 servings, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have delicious leftovers for busy weeknights. The best part? It's explicitly designed to be freezer-friendly, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time and bake it whenever a craving strikes. Imagine coming home to a ready-to-bake meal that promises cheesy, meaty perfection with minimal effort. Pair this delightful meat sauce pasta bake with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete and utterly satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides:
- Fresh Green Salad: A light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh touch.