A Family Favorite Baked Ziti That Is Freezer Friendly

Making your own frozen meal like this freezer friendly baked ziti will have you feeling like a rock-star because A. You cooked the wonderful meal and B. You did not have to spend any money going out to eat because you were hungry and in a hurry.

Check out the freezer friendly ziti recipe below.

Ingredients 

For the sauce

• 1 lb. Italian ground sausage
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 8 oz. sliced cremini mushrooms
• 24oz. jar traditional spaghetti sauce
• 1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 lb. ziti noodles, cooked al dente according to package instructions

For the cheese mixture

• 15oz. ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 16 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

For the Sauce:

1. Brown and crumble the sausage in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium high heat and add the onions and garlic, cooking until tender. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until softened.
2. Add in the sauce, tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If your pan is big enough add the pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. If needed, transfer sauce and pasta to a larger bowl to stir together.

For the Cheese mixture:

1. Combine the ricotta, parmesan, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper in a small dish.

Assemble the Baked Ziti:

1. Lightly coat a 9×13″ casserole dish with non-stick spray. Layer half of the pasta mixture on the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with the cheese mixture and spread to an even layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Spread the remaining noodles and sauce over that, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese.

If baking right away:

1. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until center is bubbly. Enjoy!

If freezing for later:

1. Let cool to room temperature then cover with an airtight lid. If no lid is available, cover with plastic wrap and then a double layer of tin foil. Freeze.

To Bake From Frozen:

1. Take casserole out of freezer and remove lid or any plastic wrap. Cover with foil. Bake in 350 degree preheated oven for 1 hour, remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until center is bubbly. Enjoy!

Recipe source: I Wash You Dry

Photo source: @grandchefautumn