Description

Craving a cheesy, comforting Italian-American dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd? Baked Ziti I delivers layers of tender ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy blend of provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty casserole, enriched with a touch of sour cream, is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Ready in about 1 hour, it’s straightforward for home cooks.

Ingredients

This baked ziti dish comes together with ingredients that create a rich, comforting meal. Here’s what you need and why each matters:

Dry Ziti Pasta (1 lb): Tube-shaped pasta holds sauce and cheese well, creating a cohesive casserole.
Onion (1, chopped): Adds sweet, savory depth to the meat sauce.
Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides hearty protein and rich flavor for the sauce.
Spaghetti Sauce (2 x 26 oz jars): Forms the tangy, tomatoey base of the dish; jarred sauce saves time.
Provolone Cheese (6 oz, sliced): Adds a sharp, melty layer for depth and creaminess.
Sour Cream (1 ½ cups): Contributes a tangy, creamy layer that balances the richness of cheese and sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese (6 oz, shredded): Creates a gooey, stretchy layer for classic casserole texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 tbsp): Adds nutty, salty flavor to the topping.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
Ziti Pasta: Use rigatoni, penne, or fusilli; ensure it’s a sturdy, short pasta.
Spaghetti Sauce: Replace with homemade marinara or a mix of crushed tomatoes and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
Provolone: Substitute with extra mozzarella, cheddar, or smoked gouda for a different flavor.
Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt, ricotta, or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti and ensure spaghetti sauce is gluten-free.
Add-Ins: Include 1 cup sautéed mushrooms, ½ cup diced bell peppers, or 1 tsp red pepper flakes for heat.

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add 1 lb dry ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes (slightly firm to the bite).
- Drain and set aside.
- Beginner Tip: Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking; undercook slightly as it will soften more during baking.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb lean ground beef and 1 chopped onion, stirring occasionally, until beef is no longer pink and onion is soft, about 8–10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in 2 (26 oz) jars spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Beginner Tip: Break up beef finely while cooking; taste sauce and adjust salt or seasoning if needed.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Beginner Tip: Use softened butter or cooking spray for easy greasing; ensure oven is fully preheated.
Assemble the Ziti:
- Spread half of the cooked ziti evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer with 6 oz sliced provolone cheese, covering the pasta.
- Spread 1 ½ cups sour cream evenly over the provolone.
- Pour half of the meat sauce over the sour cream.
- Add the remaining ziti in an even layer.
- Sprinkle 6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese over the ziti.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Beginner Tip: Layer evenly for consistent bites; press ziti gently to create a compact casserole.
Bake the Ziti:
- Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and cheeses are melted and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
- If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to brown the top, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Beginner Tip: Check at 25 minutes; cover with foil if browning too quickly to prevent drying out.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set.
- Serve hot, scooping portions with a spatula to keep layers intact.
- Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan.
- Beginner Tip: Resting makes slicing easier; serve with a spatula for neat portions.

Cooking Tips

Pasta Prep: Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness; rinse briefly with cold water if assembling later to prevent sticking.
Meat Sauce: Simmer sauce to deepen flavors; drain beef fat for a lighter dish if using non-lean beef.
Layering: Spread sour cream thinly for even coverage; ensure cheese layers are uniform for balanced flavor.
Baking: Use a glass dish to monitor doneness; bake uncovered for a slightly crispy top.
Flavor Balance: Taste meat sauce before layering; add a pinch of sugar if too acidic or extra herbs for depth.