Party Pleaser Ziti

Party Pleaser Ziti 

Over the past five years my husband and I have had seven family parties to celebrate the birthday's of our two boys.  It is the same people (family) that we have to every party and I always feel pressure to come up with food that:
1.  Is something everyone will enjoy
2.  Is easy to cook (maybe this should be number 1)
3.  Homemade and not processed ( However, I will fully admit to ordering pizza for one party because I just couldn't get it together!)
4.  Something I didn't make the last time!

In March our youngest turned 3 and I was racking my brain for something and thought of Ziti. I started looking online for a little inspiration and found a few recipes that didn't use ricotta, but instead used other cheeses such as provolone or sour cream! I put together some of these ideas and came up with something that everyone loved!  I came to find out later that some of my family wanted to take home left overs because they like it so much.  Best part was I put the whole thing together the day before and I all I had to do was slide it in the oven the day of the party!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasture raised local  ground beef
• l lb pasture raised local sweet pork sausage
• 3- 16oz boxes of Rigatoni  (you can use Ziti or Penee) 
• 3- 26 oz jars of spaghetti sauce. 
• 1- 8oz container of sour cream
• 12-15 slices of thinly sliced provolone cheese 
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Brown beef and sausage in large skillet.  If sausage is in its casing remove before browning.  
2. Add sauce to skillet and simmer for 10-15 mins
3. Meanwhile, in a large pot bring salted water to a boil.  Cook pasta according to package directions and drain
4. Pre-heat oven to 375.  Layer as follows in a LARGE aluminum "pasta pan":  1/2 of Rigatoni, provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 of mozzarella, 1/2 of sauce, 1/2 Rigatoni, 1/2 of mozzarella, 1/2 sauce.  Sprinkle Parmesan.  
5. Cover with foil and cook for 1 hour.  Remove foil and cook for another 20 mins.  

Why it is good for you:

• Most would probably think that baked Ziti isn't necessarily good for you, but I say if you use the right ingredients, it is.  Use minimally processed, organic, and local products and you have a meal that is good for you and one that everyone will love!
• Another reason this dish is "good for you" is because of how easy it is.  Easily prepared the day before to make for less stress the day of your event!