Million Dollar Baked Ziti: A Rich and Indulgent Delight

Introduction

Million Dollar Baked Ziti. The name itself suggests something truly special, and this dish certainly lives up to the hype. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, combining tender ziti pasta, a savory meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy filling that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a truly indulgent meal.

Anecdotal Story

I first made this baked ziti for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. Everyone raved about how delicious it was, and it quickly became a requested dish for every potluck and holiday celebration. The combination of the meat sauce, the creamy filling, and the perfectly baked pasta is just so satisfying. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient Descriptions

• Ziti Pasta: This tube-shaped pasta with straight ends is a classic choice for baked ziti. Its shape is perfect for holding the sauce and the filling. Other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni can also be used.
• Ground Beef: Provides the meaty base for the sauce. Use 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and richness.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides the base for the meat sauce. Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. You can also make your own from scratch.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly sweet flavor and a light, fluffy texture to the filling. Use whole milk ricotta for the best flavor and texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and tanginess to the filling, balancing the sweetness of the ricotta.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a melty, stretchy texture and a mild, milky flavor to the filling and the topping. Shredded mozzarella is readily available and easy to use.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the topping. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always preferred for its superior flavor and texture.
• Garlic: A key ingredient for adding a pungent and aromatic flavor to the meat sauce. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and browning the ground beef. Adds a subtle fruity flavor and prevents sticking. Other neutral oils like canola or avocado oil can also be used.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish and enhancing the flavors. Adjust the amount to your taste.
• Fresh Basil: Used for garnish, adding a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.

Equipment/Tools

• Large Pot: For cooking the ziti pasta. Ensure it’s large enough to accommodate the pasta and boiling water.
• Large Skillet: A large skillet is crucial for browning the ground beef and making the meat sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For baking the ziti.
• Mixing Bowl: For mixing the cheese filling.
• Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and assembling the dish.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements

• 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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Boil ziti pasta as per package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
7. Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish.
8. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta.
9. Add the remaining pasta, followed by the meat sauce.
10. Top with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
12. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the marinara sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.
• Filling is too runny: Make sure to drain the ricotta cheese well. You can also add a little more Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs to the filling to thicken it.
• Pasta is sticking together: Don’t overcook the pasta shells. They should be al dente, not too soft. Be gentle when assembling the dish.
• Cheese is not melting: Make sure the cheese is shredded and that the oven is preheated to the correct temperature.

Tips and Variations

• Add vegetables: Sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the meat sauce or layered in the dish.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• Use different cheese: Try using provolone, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses for the topping.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately while the pasta and sauce are hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a beautiful presentation.
• Offer crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

• Drinks: A light-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs well with the flavors of this dish.
• Side Dishes: A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would complement this dish nicely.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

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Comprehensive FAQ

• Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the sauce.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.