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Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

4.9 from 16 reviews

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe that combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses for a truly satisfying meal.

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

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti pasta until al dente, then drain.
  3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Sauté garlic, brown ground beef, add marinara sauce, and season.
  4. Mix the Cheeses: Combine ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Layer pasta, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and remaining cheeses.
  6. Bake: Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake additional 10-15 minutes.
  7. Serve: Garnish with basil and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can customize the meat sauce by adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
  • Feel free to use different types of cheese like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baked Ziti, Pasta, Meat Sauce, Italian, Comfort Food