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Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients

• 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
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Grease the Baking Dish
   Set your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). While it's warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good coating with either cooking spray or a splash of olive oil. This will keep everything from sticking and make for easy cleanup later on.

2. Step 2: Cook the Pasta
   Bring a pot of water to a boil and toss in the ziti pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture – firm yet tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for its moment of glory later.

3. Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
   In a skillet, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sauté for a couple of minutes until it fills the kitchen with its inviting aroma. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the beef has browned, drain off any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, let it mingle and simmer for about 5 minutes, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

4. Step 4: Mix the Cheese Layer
   In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and one cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir them together until they're well combined. This mixture will add a creamy, delicious layer to your baked ziti that will have everyone asking for seconds.

5. Step 5: Assemble the Ziti
   Start by spreading half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta, then layer on the remaining pasta. Pour the savory meat sauce over the top, spreading it out to cover everything. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the dish, creating a cheesy blanket.

6. Step 6: Bake the Ziti
   Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and pop it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a slight golden hue.

7. Step 7: Garnish and Serve
   Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes. For a touch of color and fresh flavor, garnish with some fresh basil leaves if you like. Serve warm and watch as your guests indulge in this million-dollar masterpiece.

Notes

Embarking on the delightful journey of Million Dollar Baked Ziti can be smooth sailing when you avoid a few common pitfalls. One frequent blunder involves undercooking the pasta. Ensure the ziti is cooked al dente—firm but not hard—to avoid mushiness when baked. Let the pasta retain its character in the final dish.

Another hiccup often arises with the cheese mixture. Mixing the ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella thoroughly ensures an even layer of creamy goodness. A quick stir won't suffice; take your time to blend these ingredients well.

Finally, overlooking the resting period is a no-no. Allow the baked ziti to sit for a few minutes post-baking. This resting time helps the layers set, making serving a breeze and enhancing flavors. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil, and you'll have a masterpiece that’s both beautiful and scrumptious.

Keywords: Luxury Baked Ziti, Gourmet Ziti Bake, Ultimate Baked Ziti, Decadent Baked Ziti, Rich Baked Ziti Dish