Ingredients for Best Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Lean Ground Beef
- 2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Best Baked Ziti
- Bring a large pot of salted water (about 8 cups) to a rolling boil.
- Add 1 pound of ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the pasta and set aside. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
- In a large skillet (12-inch), brown 1 medium onion (chopped) and 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat, breaking the beef into crumbles. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add 2 (24-ounce) jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer as follows: 1/2 of the cooked ziti, 1 cup shredded provolone cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 of the sauce mixture, the remaining ziti, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, and the remaining sauce mixture.
- Top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
55 g
Sugar
77g
Fat
76g
Carbs
22g