Million Dollar Baked Ziti (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 pound ziti pasta
02 -
1 pound ground beef
03 -
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
04 -
1 cup ricotta cheese
05 -
1 cup sour cream
06 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
07 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
10 -
Salt and pepper to taste
11 -
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
02 -
Boil ziti pasta as per package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
04 -
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
05 -
Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta, followed by the meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
06 -
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 -
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
This dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.