Classic Baked Ziti: A Traditional Italian Dish

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 1/2 cups sour cream
  • 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
  3. In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
  4. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular ziti pasta.
  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Try different types of cheese like cheddar, Gouda, or fontina instead of Provolone and mozzarella.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the ground meat and adding plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
  • Add herbs and spices like oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra seasoning.
  • Make it spicy by adding hot sauce or chili powder to the sauce.
  • Experiment with different types of sauce such as marinara, Alfredo, or a combination of both.
  • Include a layer of sautéed spinach or kale between the pasta and cheese for added greens.
  • Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a crispy crust.

Recipe overview

Baked Ziti is a flavorful and hearty pasta dish that's perfect for a comfort food night, family gathering, or a casual dinner party. This recipe layers ziti pasta, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, and three kinds of cheese, resulting in a deliciously melty and savory dish. The preparation process involves boiling the pasta, creating a meaty sauce, and then layering the ingredients in a baking dish before popping it in the oven. Within 30 minutes, the cheeses beautifully melt, and the flavors meld together to create a mouthwatering meal. This recipe serves approximately 8 people and takes relatively short time to prepare and cook. Enjoy this wonderful Italian pasta bake that brings warmth and happiness to your table!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if desired.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef.
  3. Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce? Yes, homemade spaghetti sauce can be used instead of store-bought jars.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking from cold.
  5. Can I freeze leftovers? Certainly! Baked ziti freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A 9x13 inch baking dish is ideal for baking the ziti.
  • Large pot - Used to boil the pasta.
  • Skillet - Needed for browning the onions and ground beef.
  • Spatula - Useful for stirring the sauce and transferring the cooked pasta.
  • Cheese grater - Required for grating Parmesan cheese.
  • Oven - Needed for baking the ziti.

Origin stories

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food of ziti pasta and a typically Neapolitan sauce known as sugo. Its origin dates back to the 19th century when Italian immigrants made their way to America. While the dish has its roots in Italian cuisine, the baked pasta as we know it today is thought to have evolved in the Italian-American kitchen where the traditional Italian ingredients met America's love for hearty, baked dishes. The name ziti comes from the word "zita", which means "bride" in the dialect of Naples. In traditional Neapolitan weddings, a dish of ziti was often served, symbolizing the bond of marriage. So, when you enjoy a plate of baked ziti, you're not just savoring a heartwarming meal, but also partaking in a slice of cultural history that spans continents and centuries.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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