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
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
- 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
