Baked Ziti

Great family dinner highlighting Baked Ziti and Peanut Butter Cake. I’ve been asked by family to spend less time at the stove and more time at the table with them. Some meals it’s almost impossible but not this one. This is an amazing dinner for a crowd and no one feels neglected not even the gourmet.

Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

1 Tablespoon of butter or olive oil
1 sweet yellow onion-diced
3/4 Pound Italian spiced ground turkey
3/4 Pound ground beef
1 Pound long ziti pasta-cooked al dente in lots of salt-drained
2 Jars pasta sauce or your own marinara sauce (6 cups) If using jar purchase what your family prefers.
1 1/2 cups ricotta, or sour cream
1 Teaspoon dried basil leaves
6 Thin slices of provolone cheese
3/4 Pound mozzarella cheese-grated
1/4 Cup Grated parmesan cheese
Fresh Basil leaves for garnish

Sauté onion in the oil or butter over medium heat until limp and transparent. Remove and set aside.

Brown the ground beef and ground turkey together over medium heat until no longer pink but not crispy brown. Drain off fat and set aside.

Heat the pasta sauce (or not).

Mix the dried herb into the ricotta or sour cream.

Now layer the ingredients starting with 2 cups of the pasta sauce, add half the drained pasta noodles, half the meat sprinkled with half the onion, layer the provolone over surface, add 2 more cups of sauce, the remaining pasta, then remaining meat sprinkled with onion, spread ricotta, top with last of sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella and sprinkle with parmesan.

Cover the dish with parchment paper and then foil. Place into the oven for 40 minutes.

Remove cover and place under broiler until slightly golden.

Garnish.