Joanna Gaines Baked Ziti Recipe

This Joanna Gaines Baked Ziti Recipe is a cheesy and hearty recipe, which calls for ground beef and provolone cheese. The savory, herb-infused flavor of the meat sauce contrasts beautifully with the tangy sour cream. Using a layered assembly keeps the pasta moist and succulent, and finishing it in the oven gives it a lovely golden cheese crust. A crisp Caesar salad makes a simple, fresh accompaniment. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 60 minutes.

Joanna Gaines Baked Ziti 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 Joanna Gaines Baked Ziti Recipe

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain.
2. Brown the meat: Meanwhile, brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the meat is crumbled and the onions are soft.
3. Simmer the sauce: Stir the spaghetti sauce into the meat mixture. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Prep the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Layer the base: Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Add the creamy center: Layer the provolone cheese slices over the ziti, then spread the sour cream evenly over the cheese.
7. Assemble the rest: Pour half of the meat sauce over the sour cream. Add the remaining ziti, top with the mozzarella cheese, and pour the rest of the meat sauce over the top.
8. Final touch: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the very top of the casserole.
9. Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheeses have melted and bubbled.

Recipe Tips

• How to prevent dry pasta: Don’t overcook the ziti during the boiling stage; keeping it “al dente” ensures it finishes cooking in the sauce without becoming mushy or soaking up all the moisture.
• Why use sour cream in baked ziti: The sour cream provides a unique, tangy creaminess that contrasts with the rich tomato sauce and acts as a binder for the cheese layers.
• How to get the best cheese pull: Use high-quality, whole-milk mozzarella and shred it yourself from a block for the smoothest melt.
• Can I make this ahead of time: You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and keep it refrigerated; just add about 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

What To Serve With Joanna Gaines Baked Ziti Recipe?

This Joanna Gaines Baked Ziti Recipe is a rustic, comforting meal that needs a zesty finish! A side of Garlic Breadsticks is the classic choice for soaking up the savory meat sauce. For a lighter touch, a crisp Caesar Salad adds a lovely crunch that balances the rich cheese! A glass of Chianti or a Sparkling Lemonade pairs wonderfully with the herb-infused tomato flavors.

How To Store Joanna Gaines Baked Ziti Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Joanna Gaines Baked Ziti Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 920mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 24g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Joanna Gaines White Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Dutch Oven Lasagna Recipe
• Joanna Gaines King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe