Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta well and set aside.1 pound ziti pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage, 1 medium onion, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet with the meat and onion mixture. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes, 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and the lightly beaten egg. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. This creamy mixture is what sets your baked ziti apart.1 16 ounce container sour cream, 1 large egg, lightly beaten, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti pasta with the simmering meat sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Then, add about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir it into the pasta and sauce mixture until it begins to melt.1 pound ziti pasta, 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
- Spread about half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the sour cream and egg mixture evenly over this layer of pasta. You don't need to spread it perfectly; it will melt and distribute during baking.1 16 ounce container sour cream, 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Spoon the remaining pasta and sauce mixture over the sour cream layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Finish with a generous dusting of extra grated Parmesan cheese.1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve while remaining wonderfully hot and gooey.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven. Freezes for up to 2-3 months.