Baked Ziti 1

I think this should be renamed "The Best Baked Ziti I Ever Had."  It really is, too! I've made this several times and it nevers lasts long enough to get a good picture.  These pics do not do it justice, but trust me when I say it is delicious.  It's not the traditional baked ziti either.  It uses sour cream in place of ricotta cheese which I like way better.  It also has a layer of provolone in it.  I could have used more Parmesan Cheese for the top but ran out. I also found from making it before that fresh shredded Parmesan is much better to use than the grated version. If you like Italian food I really do urge you to try this.  I think you will enjoy it.  Once again, courtesy of Allrecipes.

1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, finely 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 (I use freshly shredded) Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of  lightly salted water to a boil.  Add ziti pasta and cook according to package directions; drain.



In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.   Add spaghetti sauce and simmer about 15 minutes.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Butter (I used olive oil cooking spray) a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.  I also add a little of the sauce mixture to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.  Layer as follows:  1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 of sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture.  Top with Parmesan cheese. 

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes in preheated oven on top of baking sheet.  Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.

This tastes much better the second day so if you decide to heat this up the next day after it's been in the fridge than bake approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour covered and 10 minutes more uncovered.

Comments

Anonymous said…
LOVE dishes like this - although I'm sure it wouldn't get to the next day in my house
Mary x
Katie said…
I use a recipe similiar to this one however in addition to the sour cream mine calls for cottage cheese. Talk about heaven on a plate!!
Aarthi said…
They look delicious..Mouthwatering

Aarthi
http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/
Unknown said…
Ooooohhh.. yours looks much more creamier than mine :) Must be ziti Monday!!!
Cassie said…
I saw Katie (the second commenter) post a version similar to this on her blog and she also said it was amazing! I can't wait to try this!
Pam said…
Mmmm. My kind of comfort food!
teresa said…
baked ziti is so delicious! this looks awesome!!
Reeni said…
Serious comfort food! I LOVE the sour cream making it all rich and creamy! Sometimes I mix some in my spaghetti sauce.
Leslie said…
Ohhh yeah...Has to be good with all that cheese on top!
Joanne said…
Baked ziti just doesn't photograph well, but we all know that it's delicious. This sounds fabulous!
The sour cream has to be what puts this over the top! This has to be one of the easiest, family pleasing, weeknight meals I've seen in a long time. I know this won't last long at my house either!
Catherine said…
Dear Debbie, Isn't this just the perfect comfort food!!! I just love it. Though I am trying now to watch after all of the holiday goodies!!
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. Blessings, Catherine xo
Bunny said…
This Irish girl loves Italian food. You just made my heart beat faster with this one. I've already saved it to make!
My Inner Chick said…
Debbie,
well I know immediately why this is the BEST BAKED ZITI.
***1 1/2 cups sour cream!!!****

Yes, I shall "Try" to make it.

Brilliant. Thank you. Xx
The Blonde Duck said…
Have you tried Giada's lasagna rolls?
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