Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting and cheesy Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta baked with a rich meat sauce and creamy cheese blends, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden finish. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines ground Italian sausage or beef with marinara sauce and a luscious ricotta-sour cream mixture, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Ziti: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and toss with olive oil to keep the noodles separated.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage or beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well blended.
- Assemble Layers: Spread half of the cooked ziti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat layering with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Add Toppings and Bake Covered: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered and Rest: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for the Italian sausage for a milder flavor.
- Letting the ziti rest after baking helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer less heat.
- For a richer dish, consider adding a layer of shredded mozzarella inside each layer.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
