Creamy Baked Ziti

Creamy Baked Ziti

I found this original recipe by Kelly on Semi Homemade Mom and had to give it a try. It's pretty simple, takes less than an hour to prepare and makes enough for a crowd! While the Creamy Baked Ziti was baking in the oven, I tossed a fresh salad together, with tomatoes from the garden and added some Lulu Bread (aka Charred Garlic Bread, a favorite of our friend Lulu. Hence, the name).

It's Pasta Time, Let's Try It!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. box ziti pasta, (for me De Cecco)
• 2 24 oz. jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce (for me, Newman's Own Sockarooni*)
• 1 - 1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef (for me, 96/4 - 96% lean, 4% fat)
• 1 small/medium onion, chopped
•  8-10 oz. sour cream (for me, low-fat)
• 1/4 lb sliced provolone cheese
• 1/4 lb sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated parmessan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano or dried Italian Seasoning

*note: Newman's Own Foundation has contributed over $350 million to thousands of charities around the world!

Don't forget your glass of wine!

 Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. While pasta is being prepared, in a large skillet, brown ground beef & onion. Drain ground beef/onion mixture and add the two jars of spaghetti sauce. Cover & simmer for approximately 15 minutes. 

3. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with PAM or some other non-stick cooking spray.

4. Spread 1/2 of the cooked ziti on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with 1/2 the provolone & mozzarella cheeses & spoon 1/2 of the meat sauce over the cheese. Place dollops of sour cream on the meat sauce, using ALL of the sour cream. Repeat the layer of ziti, cheeses and meat sauce with the remaining ingredients, ending with the meat sauce. 

 

5. Sprinkle top with parmessan cheese and oregano (or Italian Seasoning). Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, being careful not to overcook and dry out the Creamy Baked Ziti. Enjoy!