Sometimes the best recipes come from the most unexpected places, and this baked ziti is proof of that! A dear coworker shared this gem years ago, and let me tell you, it became an instant favorite with every single person who tried it. There’s something magical about how this dish brings folks together around the table.
What makes this baked ziti so special is the gorgeous layering of three different cheeses — creamy sour cream, melty mozzarella, and sharp provolone — all nestled between tender pasta and rich, hearty sauce. The secret is in how these flavors meld together in the oven, creating pockets of cheesy goodness in every single bite.
This dish is absolutely perfect for Sunday family dinners, potluck suppers, or anytime you need to feed a hungry crowd. Even my vegetarian friends rave about it when I make the meatless version — it’s just that good! Your dinner guests will be asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first helping.
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Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry 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
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 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.
