Million Dollar Baked Ziti: A Cheesy, Comforting Classic

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who loves a good baked pasta dish, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a winner on both fronts! It’s a classic dish that’s been enjoyed for generations, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese filling is simply irresistible. The inspiration for this recipe came from my desire to create a baked ziti that was both comforting and flavorful, perfect for those days when you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly use store-bought pasta sauce and pre-shredded cheese, I encourage you to embrace the freshness and flavor of homemade ingredients whenever possible. This recipe is straightforward, and using quality ingredients will elevate the taste of your baked ziti. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create a baked ziti that’s bursting with rich, cheesy, and savory flavors. We’re talking tender ziti pasta, a flavorful meat sauce with a hint of garlic, a creamy ricotta and sour cream mixture, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in this delicious baked ziti:

• Ziti Pasta: Ziti is a tubular pasta shape that’s perfect for baking because it holds the sauce well and maintains its shape. You can substitute with other short pasta shapes, such as penne or rigatoni.
• Ground Beef: Ground beef adds a savory depth of flavor and a hearty texture to the dish. Browning the beef properly is crucial for developing rich flavors.
• Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce that adds a bright and tangy flavor to the baked ziti. You can use your favorite homemade sauce or a good quality store-bought one.
• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the other cheeses in the dish.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a tangy flavor and helps to create a creamy and luscious cheese filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a classic melting cheese that adds a gooey and cheesy layer to the baked ziti.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor that enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and adds a healthy dose of fats to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Fresh Basil (Optional): Fresh basil adds a bright and herbaceous flavor as a garnish.

Equipment

You’ll need just a few essential tools to whip up this easy and delicious baked ziti:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan (for cooking pasta)
• Mixing bowls

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
• ½ 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 and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix the Cheeses: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
5. Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the cooked ziti in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining ziti and the meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.

Troubleshooting

• Baked ziti watery: If the baked ziti seems watery, make sure to drain the pasta well before layering. You can also bake it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
• Pasta undercooked: If the pasta is undercooked, make sure to cook it al dente according to package directions. You can also increase the baking time slightly to ensure it’s cooked through.
• Dish too bland: Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for the meat sauce.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to the meat sauce, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped onions.
• You can also add a layer of spinach or ricotta cheese to the lasagna for extra flavor and nutrition.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side salad and crusty bread. It’s also great for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and easy-to-make dish.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~500
• Fat: ~25g
• Cholesterol: ~80mg
• Sodium: ~900mg (adjust based on the sodium content of your ingredients)
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Protein: ~30g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Yields: 8 servings

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes, such as penne or rigatoni, for this recipe.

Q: Can I make this baked ziti vegetarian?

A: Yes, simply omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, to the marinara sauce.

Q: Can I make this baked ziti ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve. You can also bake it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave.