Baked ziti
06.15.2012 
This week has not brought about much pleasant-ness, aside from the trip to the zoo I got to take with all of my boys. That was fun! Oh, and then there was the exciting realization that my oldest boy has finally finally finally decided to use the toilet consisently. You really have no idea how long this has been in the works. YEARS. We are so proud of him!
At the end of each day this week, I had this delicious Baked Ziti comforting my belly and soul. I have loved the act of eating this week because I am not expected to talk while I eat. I lost my voice due to sickness, and it is hard to manage a home with two little boys and without a voice! "Mommy, why are you whispering?" "Mommy, will you talk normal?" "Mommy?" "Mommy?!" "MOMMY!" I was able to brush up on my sign language a bit, which was another positive note from the week. Look at me, finding all of the positive parts!
I have been making this Baked Ziti recipe for years. It's a staple. It's delicious. It's easy. You will love it, I promise.
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add a 16-oz. box of ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Chop 1 onion and finely mince 3 cloves of garlic.
In a large skillet, add:
1 onion, chopped
1 lb. lean ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
(you will see double the amount in the below photo because I made a double batch)
Cook, stirring, over medium heat until the ground beef is no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
Add two 28-oz. jars of spaghetti sauce to the skillet and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Layer as follows:
Half of the cooked ziti
6 slices of provolone cheese
12 oz. sour cream
Half of the sauce mixture
Remaining ziti
6 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
Remaining sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
You will LOVE. I promise!
