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
