Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 pound (450g) dry ziti pasta
1 onion, finely chopped
1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
2 jars (26 oz each) spaghetti sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
6 oz provolone cheese, sliced or shredded
1 ½ cups sour cream
6 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ins
2 cloves garlic, minced (for extra flavor)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step with Extra Details)
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (at least 1 tbsp salt).
Add the ziti pasta.
Cook until al dente — about 8 minutes.
Tip: Do NOT overcook; it will cook more in the oven.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat 1–2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned (about 7–8 minutes).
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the spaghetti sauce.
Add optional garlic or spices if using.
Let it simmer for 15 minutes to develop flavor.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Butter or lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Baked Ziti (Layer-by-Layer)
This is what makes it amazing — the layering!
Layer 1
Spread ½ of the cooked ziti into the bottom of the dish.
Layer 2
Add all the provolone cheese slices evenly over the pasta.
Layer 3
Spread the sour cream on top of the provolone (use a spoon or spatula).
Layer 4
Pour ½ of the meat sauce over the sour cream.
Layer 5
Add the remaining ziti.
Layer 6
Sprinkle all the mozzarella cheese over the second layer of pasta.
Layer 7
Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly on top.
Final Layer
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake
Cover loosely with foil (optional, prevents over-browning).
Bake for 30 minutes, or until:
✔ the cheese is fully melted
✔ the edges are bubbling
✔ the center is hot through
If you want the top golden and bubbly, remove the foil for the last 5–7 minutes.
🌿 Serve
Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing — this helps it set.
Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
✨ Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente is key.
For richer flavor, use a mix of beef + Italian sausage.
Add ricotta cheese instead of sour cream for a classic Italian version.
You can make this ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezes very well for up to 3 months.