Description
Hearty Million Dollar Baked Ziti delivers pure comfort with layers of melted cheese, rich marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta. Savory Italian-inspired goodness promises to satisfy hungry diners seeking a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a bubbling pasta masterpiece.
- Transform the ziti into al dente perfection by boiling according to package guidance, then carefully drain the pasta.
- In a hot skillet, brown the ground meat until it develops a rich, caramelized exterior, eliminating any excess fat.
- Infuse the browned meat with robust marinara sauce, creating a deeply flavored meat mixture.
- Craft a luxurious cheese blend by whisking ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream with aromatic garlic powder, Italian herbs, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the culinary layers with precision: spread a foundation of cooked ziti, generously dollop the creamy cheese mixture, lavish with meat sauce, and sprinkle a blanket of melty mozzarella.
- Repeat the layering process, building depth and complexity with each stratum.
- Crown the dish with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, promising a golden, crispy top.
- Slide the assembled masterpiece into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns gloriously golden and the edges bubble with anticipation.
- Permit the ziti to rest momentarily after baking, allowing the layers to settle and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that cuts down on excess fat without sacrificing flavor.
- Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free ziti to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
- Consider adding roasted vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers between layers for extra nutrition and color complexity.
- Prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinners easier to manage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg