Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

This is a great recipe to make ahead for company, and reheats great the next day.  Just let casserole come to room temperature for about an hour, then bake as directed below.

Recipe by: Amy Bradt                                                                   Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon garlic olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
12 ounces Ziti or Penne pasta
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
1 pound fresh mozzarella, shredded
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Directions
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add mushrooms and cook until tender. Remove from pan.

Add onion, ground beef and sausage to saucepan and cook until crumbly and nicely browned. Drain grease, and stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sugar, and pepper flakes. Allow to simmer while pasta is cooking, allowing the flavors to combine.

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions, until al dente. Drain, and stir pasta into meat sauce.

Preheat oven to 325°.  Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Add half the pasta and sauce mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the Mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta. Repeat with a second layer.

Cover with foil, and bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Let stand 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley.