Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, comforting Italian-American casserole loaded with layers of tender ziti pasta, a savory ground beef and marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with Parmesan, this dish is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture and Toppings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it up until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the cooked ziti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta on top followed by the meat sauce spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and make serving easier.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked ziti, Italian casserole, comfort food, ziti pasta recipe, cheesy pasta bake, baked pasta with meat sauce
