Baked Ziti (freezer cooking instructions)

Baked Ziti

Original recipe:

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1 box ziti macaroni (16 oz)

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 container cottage cheese (15 oz)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg slightly beaten

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Shredded mozzarella (8 oz)

****If you are going to use my freezer cooking method take this recipe and multiply it depending on how much food you want. I usually multiply by 4 and it makes a ton (for a family of 3).*****

Instructions:

Cook ziti pasta and set aside.

Brown ground beef.

In large bowl, combine everything except the spaghetti sauce, ziti and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Stir in 1/2 of the spaghetti sauce.

Add the ziti and toss gently to coat.

Spoon mixture into pan.

Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over top of mixture.

Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Cooking:

If you will be eating right away bake for 20 min. at 350 degrees.

Freezing:

I like to freeze this meal in a foil container and cook it without thawing first at 325 degrees for about and hour and a half. (Cook longer for larger quantities) . I have also used freezer bags to freeze, thawed for a few hours at room temperature and then baked at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Note: if you use freezer bags for this recipe you will have to mix all of the spaghetti sauce and cheese in as you wont be able to make it stay on top in a bag. :)

See my freezer cooking page for more tips on how to save time, money and energy while still eating home cooked meals!