Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring al dente ziti pasta layered with a rich ground beef marinara sauce and a creamy blend of ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden Parmesan topping, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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 the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a creamy cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Add the remaining pasta on top, then pour the meat sauce over the top layer. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve the baked ziti warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- You can make this dish ahead by assembling it and refrigerating it overnight before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and beef.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor.
- Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked ziti, Italian casserole, ground beef pasta bake, ricotta pasta bake, comfort food, cheesy baked pasta
