Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Rich with meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and melted mozzarella, it’s sure to become a favorite. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Step 3: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked beef and let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix until smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Spread half of the beef and marinara sauce mixture in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the ziti and cheese mixture on top, then spoon the remaining meat sauce over that layer.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped onions when cooking the beef.
• Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different protein option.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat without sacrificing taste.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze leftover baked ziti?

Absolutely. Cool the baked ziti completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.7 from 51 reviews

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich and comforting Italian-American casserole that combines tender cooked ziti pasta with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, creamy ricotta and sour cream, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This hearty baked pasta dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, delivering layers of cheesy, meaty, and tangy flavors in every bite.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Meat

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef

Sauces and Cheeses

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Mix Cheeses and Cream: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked ziti pasta and pour in the beef and marinara sauce mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly.
6. Layer the Ziti: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Dollop half of the ricotta-sour cream mixture on top and spread gently. Repeat layering with remaining pasta mixture and cheese mixture.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the layered ziti.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• To save time, use pre-minced garlic and pre-shredded cheeses.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian pasta casserole, cheesy baked pasta, ground beef pasta bake, comfort food, ricotta pasta bake