The Best Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining perfectly cooked pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a melty cheese blend. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. With its layers of gooey cheese, creamy sour cream, and flavorful sauce, this baked ziti recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
• 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the chopped onion and ground beef over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked. Add the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Layer the ingredients in the baking dish as follows: First, add half of the cooked ziti, followed by slices of provolone cheese, a layer of sour cream, and half of the sauce mixture. Repeat with the remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese, and the remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the ziti for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Spicy Ziti: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in some spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
• Cheese Lover’s Ziti: Use additional cheeses like ricotta, fontina, or cheddar for a richer, cheesier bake.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the ziti pasta for a gluten-free pasta option to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Creamier Sauce: Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or ricotta cheese to the sour cream layer for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If frozen, bake from frozen and increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes.
2. Can I freeze baked ziti?
   Yes, baked ziti freezes well. To freeze, prepare the dish as directed, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. What can I use instead of ground beef?
   Ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage are great alternatives if you want to switch up the protein in this dish.
4. Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
   Absolutely! If you have a homemade marinara or tomato sauce, feel free to use it in place of store-bought spaghetti sauce for an extra fresh flavor.
5. Do I have to use provolone cheese?
   No, you can substitute provolone with mozzarella or even gouda for a slightly different flavor.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage instead of ground beef for a zesty kick.
7. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, any short pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni will work well in this dish.
8. Can I skip the sour cream?
   You can skip the sour cream if you prefer, but it adds a nice creaminess to the dish. If you omit it, consider adding a bit more cheese or using ricotta for extra creaminess.
9. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
   Yes, baked ziti is a kid-friendly dish. If your kids prefer a less tangy sauce, you can opt for a mild tomato sauce or reduce the amount of garlic and onion.
10. Can I add vegetables to the baked ziti?
    Yes! You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce to make the dish even more flavorful and nutritious.

Conclusion

This “Best Baked Ziti” recipe delivers a classic, hearty meal that everyone will love. With layers of tender pasta, savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and a gooey cheese topping, it’s the perfect dish for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion. The preparation is simple, and the result is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers, this baked ziti recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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