Deliciously Cheesy Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Looking for a comforting dish that brings the family together? This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining a rich, hearty sauce with layers of cheesy goodness that make it a favorite any night of the week!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 (24 oz) jars spaghetti sauce
- 8 slices Provolone cheese
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
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Brown the Meat
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink.
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Make the Sauce
- Add the spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F during this time.
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Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Baking Dish
- Spray the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
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Layer the Ingredients
- Place ½ of the cooked ziti at the bottom of the dish.
- Lay down 8 slices of Provolone cheese evenly over the ziti.
- Spoon 1 ½ cups of sour cream over the cheese slices.
- Pour ½ of the meat mixture over the sour cream.
- Add the remaining ziti on top of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle 8 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
- Finish with the rest of the meat sauce and a sprinkling of ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
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Bake
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Allow leftovers to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze baked ziti for up to 4 months. Label with the date before storing.
Reheating Instructions:
- In the Microwave: Heat refrigerated ziti for 2 minutes, adding more time if needed.
- In the Oven: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil.
This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy the layers of flavor and creaminess as you bring this comforting dish to your dinner table!