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   While most baked ziti recipes are simple versions with ziti, sauce, and cheese, we wanted to make one with a little more interest. This one has meats and vegetables and is more of a complete meal. It's one of our first attempts to make our own concoction and we still make it regularly.

                   Loaded Baked Ziti
                            Carol and Bill
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. dry ziti          2 24oz. jars marinara sauce
1 each bell pepper and onion         1 clove garlic
1 pkg. sliced mushrooms 
1 small package pepperoni
1/2 lb.  provolone slices
1/2 lb. grated mozzarella 
1 and 1/2 cups sour cream
2 Tbs. grated parmesan 
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar 
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Cut onion and pepper fairly large (3/4"). In a skillet saute with mushrooms in a little oil or butter until softening. Remove from pan.

Cook the ground beef with the minced garlic and Balsamic vinegar, leaving it a little clumpy. When finished drain excess fat and add the marinara sauce, peppers, and onions and mix and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat.

Boil water with salt and cook ziti until just al dente (chewy). Drain and toss with parmesan and Italian seasoning.

In a 9x13" baking dish layer as follows:

ziti - provolone - sour cream - ground beef mix - mozzarella - ziti - provolone - sour cream - ground beef mix - mozzarella

Cover top with foil lifted up with a few toothpicks. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted,

Notes - Can substitute ricotta or cottage cheese for the sour cream. Can also add sausage.