Your New Go-To Baked Ziti Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Looking for a comfort dish that’s both hearty and easy to prepare? This baked ziti recipe is a guaranteed hit for any gathering, offering the perfect balance of hearty flavors and comforting, cheesy goodness. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melty cheese, it’s everything you need for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering with friends.

Why This Baked Ziti Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

Whether you’re hosting guests or simply craving something indulgent, this baked ziti delivers. It combines the richness of traditional Italian flavors with the ease of a one-pan oven dish. Plus, it’s highly customizable—make it with or without meat, spice it up, or keep it classic.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8–10

🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 2 jars (26 oz each) marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 6 oz provolone cheese, sliced
• 1 ½ cups sour cream
• 6 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil or butter for greasing the baking dish
• Salt & pepper to taste

🍝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the ziti until al dente (about 8 minutes), then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Warm a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent, then add the ground beef and cook thoroughly until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes.

3. Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom.
• Add a layer of provolone slices.
• Spread all of the sour cream over the cheese.
• Pour in half of the meat sauce.
• Layer the rest of the pasta.
• Top with mozzarella, the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan.

4. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is bubbling and has a golden-brown crust.

5. Let It Rest

Let the baked ziti sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

👨‍🍳 Expert Tips

• To make a vegetarian baked ziti, simply omit the meat and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach for a delicious, meat-free alternative..
• Want more spice? Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• For richer flavor and smoother melting, always use freshly grated cheese.
• Plan ahead by assembling the baked ziti a day before; simply refrigerate and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

🧾 Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~580
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 58g
• Fat: 25g
• Sodium: 910mg
• Calcium: 350mg

📌 Final Thoughts

This baked ziti recipe isn’t just a dish—it’s a comfort food essential that always gets rave reviews. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a warm, cheesy meal everyone will love.

Try it once, and it might just become your go-to baked pasta recipe for life!