Prego® Now and Later Baked Ziti

By mporreca

Ziti, sauteed beef and onion, Prego® Fresh Mushroom Italian Sauce and cheeses are combined to bake and serve now or to freeze to bake later.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 jar (4 pounds 3 ounces) Prego® Fresh Mushroom Italian Sauce
• 1 (16 ounce) package tube-shaped pasta (ziti), cooked and drained
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Details

Servings 12

Preparation

Step 1

1.Cook the beef and onion in an 8-quart saucepot over medium high heat until the beef is well browned, stirring often. Pour off any fat.

2.Stir the sauce, ziti and 2 cups mozzarella cheese in the saucepot. Spoon the beef mixture into 2 (12 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 2-inch) disposable foil pans. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

3.Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until the beef mixture is hot.

To make ahead and freeze: Prepare the ziti as directed above but do not bake. Cover the pans with foil and freeze. Bake the frozen ziti, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until it's hot. Or, thaw the ziti in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until it's hot. Serving Suggestion: Serve with zucchini cut into thinly sliced ribbons (use vegetable peeler) and sauteed in olive oil. Sprinkle with grated parmesan. For dessert serve lemon sorbet with a mint sprig.