Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a comforting and delicious Italian-American casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of ziti pasta, savory ground beef, and a combination of melted provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone. Easy to make and bake, it’s an ideal dinner option for busy nights or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound 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 ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
2. In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese, and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian option.
• Meat Lovers: Add Italian sausage or pepperoni to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
• Cheese Variation: Use ricotta cheese or a blend of your favorite cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a different taste.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta for this dish?
   Yes, you can substitute ziti with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Is there a substitute for sour cream?
   You can substitute sour cream with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar texture.
4. Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
   Absolutely! Homemade spaghetti sauce can be used in place of store-bought sauce for a fresher flavor.
5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner option.
6. How do I make the pasta less soggy?
   Ensure that you don’t overcook the pasta before baking, as it will cook further in the oven.
7. Can I freeze the assembled but uncooked dish?
   Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole. Cover it tightly and bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
8. Can I skip the provolone cheese?
   Yes, you can use all mozzarella or any cheese of your choice if you prefer.
9. What can I serve with baked ziti?
   This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
10. How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
    You can add herbs like basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning to the sauce to enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a party, it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy. With layers of cheese, pasta, and savory sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

Baked Ziti

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• Author: Mary
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Baked Ziti is a hearty, comforting Italian-American dish filled with layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a blend of melted cheeses. Topped with Parmesan cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or something special for a gathering, Baked Ziti is always a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound 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

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Instructions

• 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. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese, and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes into the sauce.
• If you don’t have provolone cheese, you can use any other mild cheese, such as mozzarella or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian casserole, pasta bake, cheesy ziti, ground beef casserole, easy pasta dinner, family dinner