Best Baked Ziti - for a crowd

This is a recipe I found from a lady I follow on Family Savvy. I love this recipe not only because it tastes so yummy, but because I can make 2 pans So whether you are having a larger crowd to feed or need a meal for another family this will give you plenty for both! This is loaded with lots of cheese and creamy goodness! If you don't want to make 2 pans of this then all you need to do is cut the recipe in half, but I promise you'll be glad you made 2 pans and it freezes really well. This summer our family went on vacation so I doubled the recipe and put it all in one really large pan. It was perfect for all of us! This is one of those recipes I always get lots of compliments on! Enjoy!

2	pounds	dry ziti or penne pasta
1	cup	chopped onion (frozen is fine)
2	pounds	lean ground beef
1		hot Italian sausage link crumbled (optional)
4	(26-ounce) jars	spaghetti sauce
3⁄4	pound	(12 oz) sliced provolone (not smoked)
1	cup	sour cream
1		egg beaten
1		(16-oz) carton whole milk ricotta cheese
3⁄4	pound	(4 cups) mozzarella cheese shredded
1⁄2-1	cup	freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1	TB	Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.

In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. (When I make 2 pans of this, I use 1.5 lbs of hamburger and 1lb of sausage) Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.

In medium bowl, stir together ricotta, sour cream, egg & Italian seasoning.

Spray one jumbo or two large aluminum foil pans with cooking spray.

Layer ingredients as follows:

Half of the sauce

Half of the ziti

Half of the Provolone cheese,

Layer remaining sauce, ziti, provolone & mozzarella.

Spread all of ricotta/sour cream mixture on top.

Sprinkle parmesan on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 55-65 minutes or until bubbly and hot in the center.

IF FREEZING:

Assemble (but do not cook) ziti.

Wrap well, label, and freeze.

TO COOK FROM FROZEN:

Place in fridge to thaw a few days before serving.

Bake at 350 for an hour or until bubbly and then center is hot

Allow to rest at least a half hour before serving.