A delicious and hearty layered pasta bake that combines rich flavors and creamy textures for a comforting meal.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cooking the pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
In a frying pan, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pan, cooking until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
Breaking up the meat into small pieces ensures an even texture.
In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by the provolone slices, sour cream, ricotta, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, green onions, and half of the meat sauce.
Spread each layer evenly for consistent flavors throughout.
Add the remaining pasta, top with mozzarella, the rest of the meat sauce, and finish with parmesan cheese.
Press down gently to compact the layers for better slicing.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty layered pasta bake!
Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.