Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 (24 oz) jars high-quality spaghetti sauce
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or dutch oven, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink and onions are translucent.
- Season and Simmer: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Pour in both jars of spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Begin Assembly: Spread half of the cooked ziti in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Create the Cheese Layer: Arrange the provolone cheese slices over the pasta, then carefully spread the sour cream over the provolone.
- Add Sauce and Repeat: Pour half of the meat sauce over the sour cream layer. Top with remaining ziti.
- Final Layers: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Finish with a generous coating of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese has melted to a golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes