Imagine a bubbling, golden-brown dish of baked ziti, its surface dotted with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, while the aroma of savory meat sauce and herbs fills the air. Each layer is a symphony of flavors and textures-tender ziti pasta, rich and hearty meat sauce, creamy sour cream, and gooey Provolone and mozzarella cheeses. The first bite reveals a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and the comforting creaminess of melted cheese.

This baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food, with its crispy, cheesy top giving way to a saucy, cheesy interior that’s both hearty and indulgent. The dish is baked to perfection, with the cheeses melted into a golden blanket and the sauce bubbling around the edges.

Serve it straight from the oven, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color, and pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this Ultimate Baked Ziti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

✅ Rich, layered flavors – savory beef, tangy sauce, and triple-cheese creaminess
✅ Feeds a crowd with minimal hands-on effort
✅ Freezer-friendly – perfect for meal prep or leftovers
✅ Comfort food that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant

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This Ultimate Baked Ziti is more than just a meal-it’s a cheesy, comforting hug on a plate. 🍝✨

Ingredients

Pasta & Protein

• 1 lb dry ziti pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 onion, diced

Sauces & Seasonings

• 2 jars (52 oz total) spaghetti sauce (preferrably Roas)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional, for depth)

Cheeses & Cream

• 6 oz Provolone cheese, sliced
• 1.5 cups sour cream
• 6 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions:

1. Boil the Ziti: Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 lb of ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it—you want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling!
2. Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown 1 lb of ground beef with 1 diced onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft and fragrant. Stir in 24 oz of your favorite spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, savory sauce.
3. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add a touch of richness.
4. Layer the Goodness: Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with slices of Provolone cheese (about 6 oz) and dollops of 1 cup sour cream, creating a creamy, cheesy base.
5. Build the Layers: Add half of the meat sauce over the sour cream, followed by the remaining ziti. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then finish with the rest of the meat sauce. For the grand finale, sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over everything.
6. Bake to Perfection: Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the ziti is heated through and the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and golden.
7. Rest & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or mix in some fresh basil before baking.

This Ultimate Baked Ziti is the epitome of comfort food-cheesy, saucy, and packed with layers of flavor. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a hearty, satisfying meal! 🍝✨

🥖 Pair With: Garlic herb focaccia Caesar salad with homemade croutons Roasted balsamic veggies