Million Dollar Baked Ziti A decadent baked pasta dish layered with rich cheese, savory sauce, and tender ziti that feels like a million bucks! This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a cheesy, saucy masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It combines layers of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory meat sauce that tastes like it came from an upscale Italian restaurant.
Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite ingredients.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers.
A guaranteed hit for pasta lovers of all ages!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage or ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Spread half of the cooked ziti in the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of half the cheese mixture and half the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Top the dish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the sauce.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for unique flavors.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Extra Creamy: Add a layer of béchamel sauce for an ultra-rich version.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freezing: Freeze the baked ziti before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the ziti from becoming mushy?
I recommend cooking the ziti until just al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the ziti, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of marinara sauce should I use?
Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Absolutely. Cottage cheese provides a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use lean ground meat or turkey, and opt for whole wheat pasta.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. With layers of cheesy indulgence and robust meat sauce, it’s a meal that truly satisfies. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this baked ziti is sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a decadent, layered pasta dish featuring tender ziti, rich cheese, and savory meat sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make meal feels like a five-star indulgence with every bite.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti until al dente; toss with olive oil.
- Brown meat in a skillet, add marinara sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Mix ricotta, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
- Layer half the ziti, half the cheese mixture, and half the meat sauce in the baking dish. Repeat.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden. Rest for 5 minutes and garnish with basil.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with sautéed veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 465 kcal
