A hearty and cheesy baked ziti casserole, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
Sauté the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until translucent, then add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
Mix the cooked beef with marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a baking dish.
Ensure the dish is evenly buttered to prevent sticking.
Layer half of the cooked ziti in the baking dish, followed by slices of provolone cheese, sour cream, half of the meat sauce, the remaining ziti, shredded mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers.
Serve the baked ziti casserole warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
