Few dishes rival the comforting embrace of a classic baked ziti. This Baked Ziti Recipe is a true Italian-American comfort food masterpiece, featuring perfectly cooked ziti pasta, savory ground beef simmered in rich spaghetti sauce, and layers of three delectable cheeses: creamy provolone, tangy sour cream, and gooey mozzarella, all crowned with grated Parmesan. It’s a hearty, incredibly cheesy, and deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both impressive and easy to prepare.

Why I Love This Recipe

Baked Ziti is one of those dishes that just screams comfort and homemade goodness. What I love most about this recipe is its straightforward approach to creating layers of incredible flavor and texture. The tender ziti, the rich meat sauce, and the generous combination of cheeses all meld together beautifully in the oven, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfyingly hearty and incredibly delicious.

The use of both provolone and mozzarella, combined with sour cream, creates a dynamic cheesy experience—from the smooth melt of provolone to the stretchy goodness of mozzarella, balanced by the tangy creaminess of the sour cream. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights, and it always gets rave reviews. Plus, it’s a classic for a reason, and this recipe delivers on all fronts!

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Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry ziti pasta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce (your favorite marinara or meat sauce)
• 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
• 1 ½ cups sour cream
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt for pasta water

Swaps and Notes

• Ziti Pasta: Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni would also work well. Cook it al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is great, but 80/20 ground beef will add more flavor. You can substitute with ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed) for a different flavor profile.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce. A good quality marinara or a pre-made meat sauce works perfectly. My Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce can be adapted if you prefer to make your own from scratch.
• Provolone Cheese: Sliced provolone melts beautifully and adds a distinct mild, nutty flavor.
• Sour Cream: This adds a wonderful creamy tang that lightens the richness of the dish. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best texture. Ricotta cheese can be substituted for a more traditional Italian flavor, or combined with sour cream.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that classic gooey, stretchy cheese pull. Freshly shredded melts smoother.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish and a golden crust.
• Aromatics (Optional): You can add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the ground beef and onion as they brown for extra flavor.
• Spices (Optional): A pinch of dried oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes can be added to the meat sauce for more depth.

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Directions:

Creating this delicious Baked Ziti is a straightforward process that leads to a hearty, bubbling casserole.

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until it is al dente, about 8 minutes. It should still have a slight bite as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
2. Prepare Meat Sauce: Meanwhile, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the 1 pound lean ground beef and 1 chopped onion over medium heat, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until the beef is fully cooked through and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the 2 (26 ounce) jars of spaghetti sauce into the beef mixture. Bring to a simmer and let it cook gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. First Layer: Spread 1/2 of the cooked ziti pasta evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Cheese & Sauce Layers: Top the ziti layer with slices of provolone cheese, covering the pasta. Then, dollop and spread the 1 ½ cups sour cream evenly over the provolone. Spoon 1/2 of the meat sauce over the sour cream layer.
6. Second Layer: Add the remaining ziti pasta in an even layer over the first sauce layer. Top with the 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
7. Final Topping: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the cheeses have melted and are bubbly, and the top is lightly golden. For a browner, crispier cheese topping, you can briefly place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes (watch very carefully!).
9. Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

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Pro Tip:

Don’t overcook your ziti pasta in the boiling water! It should be firm to the bite (al dente) because it will continue to cook and absorb flavor in the oven. This ensures your baked ziti has the perfect texture, not mushy. Also, for extra flavor, always drain the fat from the ground beef before adding the sauce.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Baked Ziti is a hearty, complete meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is essential for soaking up any extra delicious sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans would make a great vegetable side.
• Other Italian Comfort Foods: If you love hearty, cheesy Italian-American meals, consider this alongside a classic like my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce (perhaps if you’re making a larger Italian feast) or a quicker cheesy option like Cheesy Velveeta Rotini.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Baked ziti makes for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld.

• Storage: Store any leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken considerably as it cools.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave. For larger portions, reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
• Freezing (Unbaked): You can assemble the ziti up to the point of baking. Cover tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, extend baking time by about 30-45 minutes (keeping foil on for longer) until heated through, then uncover and bake until bubbly.
• Freezing (Baked): Baked and cooled ziti can also be frozen, though the pasta texture might be slightly softer upon reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this baked pasta dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make baked pasta dish, check out my This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast.
• If you’re a fan of classic Italian-American comfort food, don’t miss Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• For a super cheesy and quick pasta option, consider Cheesy Velveeta Rotini.
• And for another hearty baked dish that’s great for feeding a crowd, my Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pastais always a hit.

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Final Thoughts

This Baked Ziti Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for bringing the family together around the dinner table, making any meal feel special with minimal fuss. Dive into this incredibly cheesy and hearty dish, and let it become a beloved classic in your home!

What’s your favorite way to make a baked pasta dish extra special? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.