Creamy Tangy Ziti Bake
This Creamy Tangy Ziti Bake is a delightful twist on the classic baked ziti that keeps everyone happy, even the pickiest of eaters! Featuring a beautiful blend of ziti pasta, hearty ground beef, and a secret ingredient — sour cream — this dish offers a creamy texture without ricotta. The layers of provolone and mozzarella cheese add a deliciously gooey aspect, while a robust spaghetti sauce brings it all together. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is versatile enough to work for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Your taste buds will thank you for the explosion of flavors in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry ziti pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente)
onion
1 (chopped)
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned (optional))
spaghetti sauce
2 (26 ounce) jars (simmered)
provolone cheese
6 ounces (sliced)
sour cream
1 1/2 cups (spreadable)
mozzarella cheese
6 ounces (shredded)
grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. If using ground beef, add it to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, butter a 9x13 inch baking dish generously.
5
Begin layering the dish: Start with half of the cooked ziti, followed by a layer of provolone cheese slices. Spread the sour cream evenly over the provolone, then layer half of the meat sauce mixture. Add the remaining ziti, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top, and finish with the remaining sauce mixture. Top it all off with grated Parmesan cheese.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tangy Ziti Bake?
It is a delightful twist on classic baked ziti that uses sour cream instead of ricotta for a creamy texture.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dry ziti pasta cooked al dente.
How long should I cook the ziti pasta?
Cook the ziti according to the package instructions, which is typically about 8 minutes.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, the ground beef is optional, making it easy to adapt for vegetarians.
What is the secret ingredient for the creamy texture?
The secret ingredient is 1 1/2 cups of sour cream, which provides a unique tang and creaminess.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe uses 1 lb of lean ground beef, which should be browned before layering.
How many jars of spaghetti sauce are needed?
You will need two 26-ounce jars of spaghetti sauce.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish should I use?
A generously buttered 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Let the spaghetti sauce simmer with the beef and onions for about 15 minutes.
What is the first layer of the bake?
The layering starts with half of the cooked ziti pasta.
Where does the provolone cheese go?
Sliced provolone cheese is placed directly over the first layer of ziti.
How is the sour cream added to the dish?
The sour cream is spread evenly over the layer of provolone cheese.
What cheese is used for the middle topping?
Shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled over the second layer of ziti.
What is the final topping for the ziti bake?
The dish is finished with a topping of grated Parmesan cheese.
How long do you bake the ziti covered?
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
How long do you bake the ziti uncovered?
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 40 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is ready when the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
How much provolone cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of sliced provolone cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How do I prepare the onion?
One onion should be chopped and sautéed until translucent.
Does this recipe use ricotta cheese?
No, this version of baked ziti replaces ricotta with sour cream.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, it is specifically described as a dish that keeps even the pickiest eaters happy.
Can I use homemade sauce?
While the recipe suggests jarred sauce, you can certainly substitute your favorite homemade spaghetti sauce.
How many grams of Parmesan cheese are used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the preparation for the ziti?
The ziti should be cooked al dente in lightly salted water.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Sauté the beef with onions for 7-10 minutes and drain any excess fat.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is characterized by a blend of creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavors with a robust sauce.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners or weeknight meals.