Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food experience. With creamy ricotta, tangy sour cream, savory beef, and melty mozzarella all layered with pasta and marinara, it’s a luxurious twist on the classic baked ziti.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Boil ziti pasta as per package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
6. Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta.
7. Add the remaining pasta, followed by the meat sauce.
8. Top with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Prevents mushy texture during baking.
Use Quality Ingredients: Premium marinara, fresh garlic, and authentic ricotta make a difference.
Layer Strategically: Helps every bite have all the flavors.
Don’t Skip the Garnish: Fresh basil adds color and freshness.
Let It Rest: Wait 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Customizations: Use vegetables instead of beef, gluten-free pasta, or different cheeses to suit your needs.
Great as Leftovers: Flavors meld overnight, making it even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg