Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta, rich ground beef marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella cheeses, baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
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
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 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: Boil the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well until evenly blended.
- Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta on top, then pour the meat sauce over it. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting baked ziti.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from cooked ground beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the marinara sauce with a meat sauce or add Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Fresh basil adds a nice aromatic touch but is optional.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked ziti, Italian casserole, cheesy pasta bake, ground beef pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal
