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Here's my million-dollar baked ziti - an indulgent twist on cheesy pasta featuring smooth ricotta, tangy sour cream, and gooey mozzarella. It's my ultimate comfort food, great for family dinners or cozy nights in. The combo of tomato sauce, tasty beef, and melted cheese makes this dish completely addictive.
Comforting and flavorful pasta bake
What makes this casserole special is how ridiculously rich it is. The layers of creamy cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and meat sauce create a party of flavors and textures. It's an easy-to-make dish that's perfect for sharing and always wows everyone at the table.
What goes in my pasta bake
- The pasta: 500g of ziti, they're great for holding onto sauce
- The meat: 500g of ground beef for a tasty foundation
- The sauce: 700g of marinara sauce, homemade if you can
- The cheeses: 250g of ricotta, 250g of sour cream, 200g of shredded mozzarella and 50g of parmesan
- The garlic: 2 good-sized minced cloves
- The olive oil: For sautéing the garlic
- The seasoning: Salt and pepper to your liking
- The basil: A few fresh leaves for the finishing touch
Step-by-step cooking guide
- Getting ready
- I heat my oven to 190°C and oil my 33x23cm baking dish.
- The pasta
- I cook my ziti al dente following the package directions.
- The meat sauce
- In a big skillet, I sauté the garlic in olive oil then add the meat. Once it's browned, I mix in my marinara sauce and let it simmer.
- The cheese mix
- I combine the ricotta, sour cream, and half the mozzarella in a bowl.
- The layering
- I spread half the pasta, then the cheese mixture, the rest of the pasta, the meat sauce, and finish with mozzarella and parmesan.
- The baking
- I cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then another 10-15 minutes uncovered for a nice golden top.
- The serving
- I sprinkle fresh basil before serving it hot.
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Delicious crowd-pleaser
This ziti bake is truly versatile, perfect for any occasion from casual family dinners to big gatherings. It's simple to make, generous, and always a hit. The mix of meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and baked pasta makes everyone want seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can this dish be prepped ahead?
Yes, you can put it together up to a day before and store it in the fridge. When cooking straight from the fridge, add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
- → Is this dish freezer-friendly?
This baked ziti freezes great for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat it covered in the oven at 180°C until warmed through.
- → Can I use other kinds of pasta?
Penne or rigatoni work just as well as ziti. Look for tubular pasta shapes that hold onto the sauce and cheese nicely.
- → What kind of meat should I use?
Ground beef works great, but mixing beef and pork gives even more flavor. Opt for meat with a little fat for a richer taste.
- → How do I get a golden topping?
To achieve a perfectly browned topping, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. If needed, broil the dish briefly at the end.