Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta casserole featuring tender ziti noodles baked in a rich meat and tomato sauce blended with creamy cheeses for a decadent finish. This hearty dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and delivers layers of gooey mozzarella, tangy cottage cheese, and savory ground beef, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces uncooked ziti noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)
- 2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 6-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the other components.
- Boil: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set them aside.
- Brown: In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until it is fully browned with no pink remaining. Break up the beef with a spatula as it cooks for even browning.
- Simmer: Drain off any excess fat from the beef. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it is smooth and fully blended.
- Combine: Stir the creamy cheese mixture into the simmering meat sauce until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy and cohesive.
- Assemble: Gently fold the cooked ziti noodles into the cheesy meat sauce until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the baked ziti for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Use whole milk mozzarella for creamier texture or part-skim mozzarella for a slightly lighter dish.
- If cream cheese is not at room temperature, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften for easier mixing.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
