Ingredients
1/2 pound dry ziti pasta
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion , diced
2 cloves garlic , minced
1/2 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper , to taste
26 ounces jar marinara sauce
3 ounces sliced provolone cheese
3/4 cup sour cream
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
fresh chopped parsley , for garnish
garlic bread , for serving, optional
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In the meantime, warm olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; sauté, breaking up the beef into crumbles until it’s browned and no pink remains, and the onions have softened. Drain off grease. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Season with the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and a few grinds of salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the marinara sauce and gently simmer for 10 minutes.
While the sauce is simmering, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish that has high sides with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Mix the rest of the sauce with the cooked pasta until it’s fully coated.
Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, the Provolone slices, even dollops of sour cream, remaining ziti, and mozzarella cheese. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove foil and bake 15 minute more or until cheeses are melted and golden.
Let stand 10 minutes then serve with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and garlic bread!