olive garden baked ziti recipe

Baked Ziti Recipe

This baked ziti recipe is the ultimate comfort food hearty, cheesy, and full of rich Italian flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it features layers of tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and creamy cheeses baked to golden perfection. Whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

baked ziti recipe with ricotta
baked ziti recipe with ricotta

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry ziti pasta
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 (26-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
  • 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
  • 1 ½ cups sour cream
  • 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
  • In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Stir in spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Layer half of the cooked ziti in the baking dish.
  • Add a layer of provolone cheese followed by sour cream.
  • Spread half of the meat sauce evenly over the sour cream layer.
  • Add the remaining ziti, top with mozzarella cheese, and pour over the remaining meat sauce.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  • Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
baked ziti recipe with ground beef
baked ziti recipe with ground beef

Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 10
  • Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) casserole