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Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Million dollar baked ziti combines creamy cheeses, hearty pasta, and savory meats in a comforting Italian-American classic. Pasta enthusiasts will savor this rich, layered dish that promises pure culinary satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 lb (454 g) ziti pasta
  • 1 jar (24 oz or 680 g) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz or 397 g) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 cups (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (226 g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (226 g) sour cream
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain completely and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles. Drain accumulated fat.
  4. Introduce minced garlic to the meat and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer the meat sauce for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
  6. Create a creamy cheese mixture by combining ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese in a separate mixing bowl.
  7. Construct the first pasta layer by spreading half of the cooked ziti across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the initial pasta layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Spoon half of the meat sauce across the cheese layer, followed by the remaining pasta and then the remaining sauce.
  10. Generously top the casserole with mozzarella and reserved Parmesan cheese.
  11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes at 375°F.
  12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
  13. Allow the ziti to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier version of this rich, comforting dish.
  • Swap traditional pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free ziti to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for extra depth.
  • Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking for more intense taste.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg