Print

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti-recipe/