Kittencal’s Freezer Baked Ziti (Oamc)

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 2
Kittencal's Freezer Baked Ziti (Oamc)
in Pasta

Prep

30 min

Cook

75 min

Ready In

105 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 box uncooked ziti pasta ( or use penne pasta )
2 lbs ground beef ( or use 1 pound each ) or 2 lbs Italian sausages , with casings removed ( or use 1 pound each )
1 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes ( to taste ) ( optional )
1 large onion , chopped
1 -2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
1 green bell pepper , seeded and chopped
2 -3 teaspoons seasoning salt
fresh ground black pepper ( to taste )
8 -10 cups favorite prepared pasta sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ( you will need more to sprinkle on top after baking )
1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese , divided ( or to taste )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
10-12
Calories
685
Sugar
14g
Fat
34g
Kittencal's Freezer Baked Ziti is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit different tastes. The dish is typically made with ziti pasta and a tomato-based meat sauce, topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. This version uses ground beef or Italian sausage and a mix of shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese for a rich and savory flavor. The dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350F.
2.Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3.While pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat.
4.Add the chili pepper flakes, onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté until soft.
5.Add seasoning salt, black pepper, and prepared pasta sauce to the pot and stir well.
6.Simmer sauce for 20-30 minutes.
7.Layer cooked pasta and sauce in a large baking dish, alternating between the two.
8.Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese on top of the pasta and sauce layers.
9.Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10.Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is golden brown.

PROS

Kittencal’s Freezer Baked Ziti is a delicious and easy meal to prepare that can be frozen for later use.

The dish is hearty and flavorful, perfect for feeding a crowd.

The recipe is versatile and can be customized with different pasta shapes and types of meat.

CONS

The dish is high in calories and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It is time-consuming to prepare, with a long simmer time for the sauce and a double baking process.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish contains protein from the ground beef or Italian sausage, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and cheese.
Tomato-based pasta sauces have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
The dish can be made healthier by using whole wheat pasta and lean ground beef or turkey instead of sausage.

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