Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Million Dollar Baked Ziti takes baked pasta to pure comfort food status with a creamy cheese blend and a bubbling browned top that always wows a crowd. Whenever my family craves a cozy pasta night or I need a reliable potluck favorite this recipe delivers both flavor and festive appeal. There is something about the way layers of ricotta and mozzarella mingle with hearty beef and marinara that makes it irresistible to pasta lovers of all ages.

When I served this for my nephew’s birthday everyone went for seconds and not a single noodle was left. The creamy ricotta and gooey cheese make it taste special without much work so it is now my go-to for celebrations.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: Helps hold all the sauce in its tubes Select a bronze-cut brand for best texture
• Ground beef: Adds savory flavor and hearty bite Go for 80 percent lean for juiciness
• Marinara sauce: Brings tanginess and herby richness Use a jarred version with minimal sugar
• Ricotta cheese: Provides creamy luxurious texture Try whole milk ricotta for extra richness
• Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess Look for thick full-fat varieties
• Mozzarella cheese: Makes the dish gooey and stretchy Shred your own for best melting
• Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp salty finish Grate fresh for the boldest taste
• Garlic: Creates aromatic baseline Use plump firm cloves for best flavor
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing and layering A good extra virgin oil will add depth
• Salt and pepper: Needed to balance flavors Season to your family’s liking
• Fresh basil: Brings color and a fresh lift Add just before serving for best aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of salted water and add the ziti Cook until just shy of fully tender so the pasta holds up when baked Drain and set aside

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat Add the minced garlic and gently cook for about two minutes until fragrant Stir in ground beef and break it up as it cooks Once browned drain off extra fat Pour in the marinara Sauce everything together with a wooden spoon and let it simmer for five minutes Season with salt and pepper to your preference

Mix the Cheeses:

In a mixing bowl combine ricotta cheese sour cream and one cup of mozzarella Blend well until the mixture is creamy and uniform You want this to be smooth so it spreads easily

Assemble the Dish:

Spoon half the cooked ziti into the prepared baking dish Dot and spread the entire cheese mixture evenly across the pasta Top with the rest of the ziti and pour all the meat sauce across the second layer Finish with the remaining mozzarella and a shower of grated Parmesan

Bake:

Cover the dish snugly with aluminum foil and bake for twenty minutes This step helps the casserole heat through evenly Remove the foil and continue baking for ten to fifteen minutes more until the cheese is melted browned and bubbling invitingly

Serve:

Let it cool for a few minutes Sprinkle chopped basil over the golden surface Slice and serve for maximum gooey cheese pulls

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Parmesan is my personal secret weapon here I will never forget the look on my little sister’s face the first time she grated it all over the top before baking The cheesy crust was so good it became our new holiday tradition

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to four days Reheat portions in the oven for crispy edges or in the microwave for a quick lunch This dish also freezes well Just wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered with foil until piping hot

Ingredient Substitutions

No ziti on hand Try penne or rigatoni Both have grooves that hug the sauce For a turkey or vegetarian version use Italian turkey sausage or plantbased meat crumbles If you are out of ricotta a blend of cottage cheese and cream cheese can achieve a similar creamy effect

Serving Suggestions

Serve this baked ziti with a simple green salad or garlicky sautéed greens Warm garlic bread is a classic side I love pairing it with roasted broccoli for balance When feeding a crowd add a platter of antipasto or a bowl of minestrone soup on the side

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Cultural Context

Baked ziti is a favorite in ItalianAmerican kitchens blending elements of lasagna and classic pasta bakes It has roots in community gatherings and family suppers and its layers evoke the comforting casseroles of southern Italy Millions of home cooks love it for its adaptability and heartwarming effect

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use another type of pasta instead of ziti?

Yes, rigatoni or penne work well as substitutes, providing similar texture and the ability to hold sauces and cheese effectively.

→ Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

It's important to cook the pasta until al dente before assembling so it bakes perfectly and doesn't become mushy.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Yes, cooled portions can be frozen in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

Omit the ground beef and enjoy the same creamy, cheesiness by increasing the amount of marinara and cheese fillings.