Baked Ziti

I was brave last night and made this brand-new-to-us dish for company. It.did.not.disappoint! Rave reviews all around... AND we'll have leftovers for days! :) (As seen on Vittles Divine... originally posted on All Recipes where it received high ratings.)

Yes, the recipe does call for sour cream, but it's an important part of the recipe and it turns out delicious!  I'm posting the recipe below as I made it...


Baked Ziti

1 lb. dry ziti pasta  (Whole box)
1-1.5 c. onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 32-oz. jars spaghetti sauce  (I buy the large Classico Tomato & Basil jars from Costco... using 2 makes it extra saucy, but extra delicious as leftovers.  You could also use just 2 26-oz. standard-size jars of sauce as well.)
6 oz. provolone cheese, sliced
1.5 c. sour cream (fat-free is fine)
6 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente; drain.

In a large skillet, brown onion, garlic and ground beef over medium heat.
Add spaghetti sauce; warm through.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly oil or spray a 9x13 inch baking dish.  (With the extra sauce, I've found that I have to bake this in a lasagna pan (larger than your typical 9x13.)

Layer as follows:
   1/2 of the ziti
   sour cream
   provolone cheese
   1/2 sauce mixture
   remaining ziti
   mozzarella cheese
   remaining sauce mixture
   parmesan cheese

Bake, uncovered,  for 30-40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Allow to rest on counter for 3-5 minutes before serving.  Enjoy!!