Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

There’s something about a bubbling dish of baked ziti that just feels right. It’s not fussy, it’s not trying to be fancy. It’s just honest, comforting food that brings people together around the table.

This particular recipe has a wonderful story—it was shared by a co-worker, became a hit in an office, and then a favorite for dinner guests. That’s how the best recipes spread, isn’t it?

From one friend to another, each time gathering a little more love. It’s a hearty, cheesy masterpiece that works just as well for a busy Wednesday as it does for feeding a crowd on the weekend. Let’s make it.

Why This Dish Becomes an Instant Favorite

The magic here is in the layers. It’s not just pasta and sauce tossed together. Each component gets its moment, creating pockets of creamy, tangy, meaty, and gooey goodness in every single forkful.

The sour cream layer might surprise you—it melts into a luxurious richness that balances the tomato sauce perfectly. And because it uses jarred sauce, it’s a beautiful shortcut that lets you get this comforting meal on the table without a huge time investment. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself memorizing.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to gather. The beauty is in these simple, honest ingredients.

• 1 pound dry ziti pasta: The sturdy tube shape holds the sauce and cheese beautifully.
• 1 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, foundational flavor to the meat sauce.
• 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty, savory substance. You can leave it out for a vegetarian version, and it’s still fantastic.
• 2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce: Your favorite brand works perfectly here—it’s the flavor base.
• 6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced: Creates a melty, slightly sharp layer right in the middle.
• 1 ½ cups sour cream: The secret weapon. It bakes into a creamy, tangy wonder.
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded: For that iconic, stretchy, golden-brown top.
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty finishing touch.

How to make ?

The process is straightforward, almost rhythmic. Get your biggest pot and your favorite skillet ready.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook it until it’s just al dente, usually about 8 minutes. You want it to still have a little bite since it will cook more in the oven. Drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat, breaking the meat into crumbles. Once it’s no longer pink, stir in both jars of spaghetti sauce.

Let the whole thing simmer together for about 15 minutes. This lets the flavors marry beautifully. Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) now, too. And don’t forget to lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: The First Layers

Spread exactly half of the cooked ziti in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared dish. This is your foundation. Next, lay all of the sliced provolone cheese right on top of the pasta.

Then, carefully spread the entire container of sour cream over the provolone. This sequence is key—the pasta holds the cheese, and the sour cream sits snugly on top.

Step 4: Finish the Layering

Now, spoon half of your meat sauce over the sour cream layer. Follow that with the remaining half of the ziti. Sprinkle all of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over that. Finally, pour and spread the last half of the meat sauce over the mozzarella. It might seem like a lot, but it settles in. Top it all off with the grated Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven. Bake it for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for the entire casserole to be heated through, bubbling gently at the edges, and for the cheeses to be completely melted and possibly just starting to get those lovely golden spots.

Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This rest is non-negotiable—it lets everything set, so you get clean slices instead of a cheesy avalanche.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside

This baked ziti is a star on its own, but a couple of simple sides can turn it into a feast. A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness brilliantly. Garlic bread, of course, is a classic for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

For something lighter, try simple roasted broccoli or green beans with a squeeze of lemon. It’s a flexible main dish that plays well with others.

Tips

• For a smoother sour cream layer, let it sit out for 10 minutes to soften before spreading.
• If you want a deeper flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some dried oregano to the meat sauce as it simmers.
• Don’t have ziti? Penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes—any short, sturdy tube pasta works.
• For a crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the final minute or two, but watch it like a hawk.
• This is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

Storing Your Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

Leftovers keep beautifully, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Cool the baked ziti completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm the whole dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until hot. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

So there you have it. A recipe born from a shared lunch, now ready for your table. It’s forgiving, it’s crowd-pleasing, and it wraps you up in the very best kind of comfort. Now, go grab that wooden spoon and dig in.

Print Recipe

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

Author: Kelsey Perez Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr

Cooking Temp: 175  C Servings: 10 Estimated Cost: $ Medium Calories: 578

Best Season: Fall, Winter, Spring

Description

This baked ziti is a crowd-pleasing comfort classic—layered with tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a creamy blend of provolone, mozzarella, sour cream, and Parmesan. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or feeding a group. Whether you make it with or without meat, this recipe delivers bold flavor in every bite.

ingredients

Servings

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

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente (about 8 minutes), then drain.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion. Stir in spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Layer with provolone cheese slices, then spread sour cream evenly over the top.
6. Add the remaining ziti, then top with half of the meat sauce, followed by shredded mozzarella, and finally the rest of the meat sauce.
7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, or until heated through and cheeses are melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 578kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 25g39%

Saturated Fat 13g65%

Cholesterol 71mg24%

Sodium 914mg39%

Potassium 721mg21%

Total Carbohydrate 58g20%

Dietary Fiber 6g24%

Sugars 14g

Protein 28g57%

---

Calcium 359 mg

Iron 4 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Vegetarian option: Skip the ground beef and use extra veggies or plant-based crumbles.
• Make ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to baking time if starting cold.
• Freezing tip: Bake, cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot.

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian casserole, pasta bake, easy baked ziti, family dinner