Hey there, folks! Austin Carter here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to Baked Ziti Recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and it never fails to bring comfort and smiles to the dinner table.
I remember the first time I made this baked ziti. It was during a chilly autumn evening when I had some friends over for a casual dinner. I was nervous about cooking for a group, but this dish saved the day with the amazing drinks over the table. The warm, cheesy goodness and the rich tomato sauce won everyone over, and before I knew it, empty plates were all that remained.
Since then, I’ve tried the recipe here and there, but the heart of it remains the same. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. So, let’s dive into this crowd-pleaser that’s become a part of my cooking story.
Baked Ziti Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Cheese Grater
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 ½ cups sour cream
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with provolone cheese slices and sour cream.
- Add half of the meat sauce over the sour cream layer.
- Top with the remaining ziti, shredded mozzarella cheese, and the rest of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the dish is heated through and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
Nutrition
Tips to Keep in Mind!
- Use a Large Skillet: Brown the meat in a large skillet so the sauce can simmer in the same pan.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta until it is firm to the bite (al dente) as it will continue to cook when baked.
- Make Ahead: To prepare baked ziti ahead of time, follow the recipe, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking, and add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
- Divide and Freeze: If desired, divide the pasta casserole into two 9-inch baking dishes. Freeze one half. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti?
