Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Meat Sauce
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- For the Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- For Assembly
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for topping)
How to Make It
1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and ground beef. Cook until no pink is visible in the meat, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Drain and Season: Drain off the excess grease and return the meat to the skillet. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the seasonings with the meat.
3. Add Sauces and Pasta: Add the jar of spaghetti sauce, the jar of Alfredo sauce, and the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined. Set aside.
4. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Use a hand mixer to combine everything until smooth and well blended.
5. First Layer: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread about half of the pasta mixture evenly on the bottom.
6. Second Layer: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
7. Third Layer: Add the remaining pasta mixture as the final layer, spreading it out evenly.
8. Top with Cheese: Top the casserole with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake: Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
10. Rest and Serve: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop out clean portions!
Extra Information
- This Million Dollar Baked Ziti truly lives up to its name with the combination of spaghetti sauce, Alfredo sauce, and multiple cheeses!
- The creamy cheese mixture layer in the middle adds incredible richness and texture to this dish.
- Using both spaghetti sauce and Alfredo sauce creates a perfect balance of savory and creamy flavors.
- The hand mixer ensures the cream cheese mixture is completely smooth and well combined, preventing lumps.
- Don’t skip the 10-minute rest time – it allows the casserole to firm up so you can serve it in clean, distinct portions.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Essential Tools
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Colander for draining pasta