Few things make the kitchen feel as inviting as a bubbling dish of baked pasta fresh from the oven. This Baked Ziti is one of those family dinners that always hits the mark – hearty, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor. In my house, pasta night is a guaranteed success, especially when I’m feeding hungry athletes after a long day. It’s easy to make, yet feels like something truly special when you bring it to the table.
What I love about this dish is how rich and satisfying it is without being complicated. You’ve got tender ziti noodles layered with a flavorful beef and marinara sauce, creamy sour cream, and two types of cheese that melt together beautifully. The provolone adds a lovely sharpness while the mozzarella gives you that perfect, gooey stretch with every bite. Then there’s a sprinkle of parmesan on top for that final golden touch.
The secret to making this Baked Ziti taste like something from your favorite Italian restaurant is in the layering. Don’t rush it! Building it up with pasta, meat sauce, and cheese ensures every bite has the right balance of textures and flavors. It’s a great make-ahead dish too – you can assemble it in the morning, pop it in the fridge, and bake it just before dinner. Serve it hot with a loaf of crusty white bread to soak up the sauce, and you’ll have a meal that’s pure comfort from start to finish.
Baked Ziti
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta 450g
- 1 lb lean ground beef 450g
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 jars marinara sauce 2 x 23 oz / 650g each
- 8 oz sliced provolone cheese 225g
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese 225g / about 2 cups
- 1½ cups sour cream 360g
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF / 200ºC degrees and grease a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook the ziti according to the package instructions, then drain.
- Heat a little oil in a large skillet, add the onion, and cook until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add half of the cooked ziti to the baking dish and top with half of the meat mixture.
- Layer the provolone cheese on top, followed by the sour cream, then repeat with the remaining ziti and meat sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve hot with crusty white bread.
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