Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish Recipe
If you’re ready to indulge in a soul-satisfying, crowd-pleasing delight, the Million Dollar Baked Ziti is your answer. This recipe is a true celebration of comfort food with its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a dreamy blend of cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. The secret to creating this masterpiece is to layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish first, setting the foundation for a dish that balances creamy, savory, and cheesy in every forkful. Trust me, once you try it, this baked ziti will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering those irresistible flavors and textures. From the hearty ground beef that adds depth to the sauce, to the creamy cheeses that bring lusciousness and a subtle tang, each component is simple yet essential.
- 1 pound ziti pasta: Cook to al dente for the perfect chewy base that holds up during baking.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: Brings bright tomato goodness and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Offers creamy, mild richness that balances the tomato sauce.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess to the cheese mixture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully for gooey, golden layers and topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and a lovely crust when baked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meat sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté garlic and enrich the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal note and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This preps it for the layering process, ensuring everything bakes evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cook and Drain the Pasta
Boil the ziti following the package directions until just al dente. Drain the pasta well, as you don’t want any excess water to water down the layers. Set aside and get ready for the layering magic.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This robust sauce is the heart of the dish.
Step 4: Combine the Cheeses
In a mixing bowl, blend together ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until smooth and creamy. This velvety mixture will add an irresistible richness to the layers.
Step 5: Layer Half the Cooked Pasta in the Baking Dish
This is the all-important step where you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish. Spread the pasta evenly across the bottom, creating a sturdy foundation for the cheese mixture and sauce that follow. Don’t rush this part—it’s what holds the whole dish together!
Step 6: Add Cheese, Pasta, and Sauce Layers
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the first pasta layer. Then, add the remaining pasta on top. Finally, spoon the meat sauce evenly over the second pasta layer. This careful layering builds the depth of flavor that makes every bite so satisfying.
Step 7: Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all the grated Parmesan over the top. This combination will melt into a bubbly, golden crust during baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully browned. It’s worth waiting for that perfect golden finish.
How to Serve Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, aromatic finish that lifts the whole dish. If you want a touch of heat, some crushed red pepper flakes also complement the rich flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Serve this baked ziti with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are perfect for mopping up all those cheesy, saucy bits.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering, try assembling individual portions in small ramekins. You can still follow the step to layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish within each ramekin for that wow factor. Serve them on a tray with fresh herbs for an elegant touch that feels homemade and thoughtful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the baked ziti to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, where the flavors continue to meld and deepen.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the entire casserole but don’t bake. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep the moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until warmed thoroughly. Alternatively, microwave individual servings with a damp paper towel on top to keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any tubular pasta that holds sauce well will work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that offers similar creaminess and tang without altering the flavor negatively.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Draining the pasta but not rinsing it helps keep some starch on it, which helps the sauce cling better. Also, layering half the cooked pasta in the baking dish ensures the layers stay moist and balanced with cheese and sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based meat substitute for a hearty vegetarian version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
You can double the ingredients, but be sure to use a larger baking dish or two pans to ensure even cooking and proper layering, including taking care to layer half the cooked pasta in each dish for best results.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for Million Dollar Baked Ziti is truly a celebration of rich, comforting flavors wrapped up in a cheesy, baked pasta hug. Don’t shy away from the step to layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish — it’s crucial for getting the perfect texture and that mouthwatering combination of ingredients in every bite. Gather your loved ones, prep this dish, and watch as it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen too!
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Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich and indulgent pasta bake that elevates the traditional baked ziti with a creamy combination of ricotta, sour cream, and a hearty meat sauce. This comforting dish features perfectly cooked ziti pasta layered with a savory marinara and ground beef sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and topped with golden melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, combining hearty flavors and a luscious texture in every bite.
Ingredients
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
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 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 well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the cooked pasta evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Add the remaining pasta on top, then evenly spoon the meat sauce over it. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, meaty, and cheesy deliciousness.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
- Use fresh basil for garnish to add a bright, herbal note.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer marinara for longer before assembling.
- Covering with foil during the initial baking prevents the cheese from browning too quickly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Baked Ziti, baked pasta, cheesy ziti, creamy baked ziti, ground beef pasta bake, Italian-American comfort food, ricotta pasta bake, baked ziti recipe
