Million Dollar Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the perfect blend of hearty, cheesy, and indulgent. This recipe takes a classic baked ziti and gives it a luxurious upgrade with layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight family meal, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how to make this show-stopping dish step by step.

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Ingredients

Pasta and Meat Sauce

• Ziti pasta: 1 pound (450g)
• Ground beef: 1 pound (450g)
• Marinara sauce: 1 jar (24 oz/680g)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
• Salt and pepper: To taste

Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese: 1 cup (250g)
• Sour cream: 1 cup (240g)
• Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (200g), shredded and divided
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50g), grated

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh basil: For garnish

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Preparation Steps

1. Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
• Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
• Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

4. Mix the Cheese Filling

• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
• Mix thoroughly until smooth.

5. Assemble the Dish

Layer the ingredients as follows:

1. Bottom Layer: Spread half of the cooked ziti in the prepared baking dish.
2. Cheese Layer: Spoon the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly.
3. Top Layer: Add the remaining pasta on top of the cheese mixture.
4. Meat Sauce: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the pasta layers.
5. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.

6. Bake

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

7. Serve

• Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes to set before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.

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Tips for Success

• Cook the Pasta Al Dente: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so undercooking it slightly prevents a mushy texture.
• Sear the Meat Well: Browning the ground beef adds depth to the flavor.
• Layer Evenly: Spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Side Dishes: A crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
• Bread: Serve with garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the sauce.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti or penne pasta.
• Cheese Alternatives: Swap ricotta for cream cheese or cottage cheese for a unique flavor twist.

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Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes or microwave individual portions until warmed through.

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FAQ

Can I Freeze Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What Pasta Works Best?

Ziti is ideal, but penne or rigatoni are great substitutes.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

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Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is everything you want in a comfort food: hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones or enjoy as leftovers. Try this recipe today and experience the magic of a million-dollar meal!

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