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Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, Provolone, and Mozzarella Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Yield: 10 servings (1 9x13-inch casserole)

Description

This classic baked ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser featuring tender pasta layered with a savory meat sauce, creamy sour cream, and a blend of melty cheeses baked to perfection. Perfect for feeding a family or guests, it can also be made vegetarian by omitting the ground beef.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound dry ziti pasta

Sauce & Meat

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce

Cheeses & Dairy

  • 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
  • 1 ½ cups sour cream
  • 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Assemble all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process and to have everything ready at hand.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  5. Layer the Casserole - First Layer: Spread half of the cooked ziti evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with sliced provolone cheese, then spread the sour cream evenly over the cheese layer.
  6. Add Meat Sauce and Remaining Ingredients: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the sour cream layer. Then add the remaining pasta, spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, and cover with the remaining meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • This recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using a vegetable-based spaghetti sauce.
  • Using a combination of provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses gives the dish a delicious cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
  • For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheeses and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
  • Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://recipesbyleila.com/baked-ziti-with-ground-beef-provolone-and-mozzarella-recipe/