Mohamed Shili This delicious baked ziti recipe by Joanna Gaines is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich flavors. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner, it uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Layered with gooey cheese and savory meat sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will love!
Recipe 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
How To Make Baked Ziti Recipe?
- Prepare the pasta : Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente (firm to the bite), about 8 minutes, then drain.
- Make the meat sauce : In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the minced beef (ground beef) and chopped onion. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish : Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the ziti : Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with slices of provolone cheese, then layer the sour cream evenly on top.
- Add the meat sauce : Spoon half of the meat sauce over the sour cream layer. Add the remaining ziti on top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining meat sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan and bake : Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheeses have melted to a golden perfection.
- Serve and enjoy : Remove the baked ziti from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting dish with family or friends!
Recipe Tips:
- Cook the pasta al dente : Undercook the ziti slightly, as it will continue to cook while baking. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Drain the pasta well : Make sure to drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid excess water that can make the dish watery.
- Layer evenly : Spread each ingredient evenly for consistent flavors and textures in every bite.
- Let it rest after baking : Allow the baked ziti to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
- Customize the cheese : Use fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess or mix in cheddar for a sharper flavor twist.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Let the leftover baked ziti cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Allow the baked ziti to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat: Place a portion of ziti on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 9.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
- Sodium: 674mg
- Potassium: 424mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugars: 5.7g
- Protein: 15g
Check out More Recipes:
Joanna Gaines Baked Ziti
Description
This delicious baked ziti recipe by Joanna Gaines is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich flavors. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner, it uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Layered with gooey cheese and savory meat sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will love!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta : Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente (firm to the bite), about 8 minutes, then drain.
- Make the meat sauce : In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the minced beef (ground beef) and chopped onion. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish : Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the ziti : Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with slices of provolone cheese, then layer the sour cream evenly on top.
- Add the meat sauce : Spoon half of the meat sauce over the sour cream layer. Add the remaining ziti on top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining meat sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan and bake : Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheeses have melted to a golden perfection.
- Serve and enjoy : Remove the baked ziti from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting dish with family or friends!
Notes
- Cook the pasta al dente : Undercook the ziti slightly, as it will continue to cook while baking. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Drain the pasta well : Make sure to drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid excess water that can make the dish watery.
- Layer evenly : Spread each ingredient evenly for consistent flavors and textures in every bite.
- Let it rest after baking : Allow the baked ziti to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
- Customize the cheese : Use fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess or mix in cheddar for a sharper flavor twist.
Joanna Gaines Baked Ziti
