If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that truly shines with layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta, you’ve found it with the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe. This spectacular baked ziti combines simple, accessible ingredients transformed into a rich, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours to make but in reality comes together with ease. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make it a fast favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe plays a crucial role in building the luscious layers of flavor and texture that define this dish. From pasta that holds the sauce beautifully to creamy cheeses that meld everything together, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ziti pasta: This tubular pasta is perfect for catching the sauce inside and out, creating a uniform bite of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Tossing cooked pasta in olive oil prevents sticking and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef: Choose Italian sausage for a spicier flavor or ground beef for a milder taste; either provides savory richness.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for that essential tomato base.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds softness and a slight sweetness to the cheese layer.
- 1 cup sour cream: Sour cream lends tang and smoothness that makes the cheese filling extra luscious.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Mozzarella melts beautifully, providing gooey, stringy cheese pulls.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Parmesan adds nutty, sharp notes and helps brown the top crust.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brightens the meat sauce with aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the meat sauce with classic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you like a bit of spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Brighten each serving with fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the baked ziti won’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Toss with Olive Oil
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the ziti pasta and cook it until it is al dente—firm but tender. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with the olive oil. This little step prevents clumping and adds a subtle richness that enhances the overall texture.
Step 3: Brown the Meat and Simmer with Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your choice of ground Italian sausage or ground beef until fully cooked and nicely caramelized. Then stir in the marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Lower the heat and let this savory sauce gently simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture is the creamy heart of your baked ziti, providing tenderness and a rich, tangy contrast to the meat sauce.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, smoothing it out, then spread half of the meat sauce on top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce, building delicious, distinct layers for the perfect texture and flavor combination.
Step 6: Add the Final Cheese Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the assembled layers. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheeses. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the Million Dollar Baked Ziti rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve and intensifying the flavors. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving for a burst of color and freshness that brightens every bite.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the classic and easy garnish, adding a fragrant herbal note that cuts through the richness. If you want an extra touch, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil works wonderfully as well.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy baked ziti perfectly, providing freshness and balance on the plate. Garlic bread or toasted Italian bread is another classic pairing to sop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins topped with basil chiffonade for a charming presentation. Another fun idea is to add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers layered in with the ziti for added color and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Prepare the dish fully but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a microwave or oven until warmed through. For best results, cover with foil and heat the dish at 350°F (175°C) until hot, then remove the foil for a few minutes to crisp up the cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional and ideal for holding sauce, penne or rigatoni also work wonderfully due to their similar tubular shapes that trap all the delicious layers.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based meat alternative for a hearty vegetarian version that still captures that rich, comforting flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?
You sure can. Assemble the baked ziti in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for planning dinners or entertaining guests.
What if I don’t have sour cream or ricotta cheese?
For sour cream, Greek yogurt can be a tangy substitute. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese drained of excess liquid works as a close replacement, though the texture will be slightly different.
How do I prevent the baked ziti from drying out?
Be sure to cover the dish with foil during the initial bake to trap moisture. Also, tossing the cooked pasta with olive oil helps maintain moisture inside the layers, keeping each bite creamy and tender.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is truly a gem in the world of cozy, satisfying meals. It’s deceptively simple to make but delivers an impressive depth of flavor that will wow your family and friends every time. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe invites you to experience the joy of layers of cheesy, saucy goodness baked to golden perfection. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new go-to comfort food!
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti pasta baked in a rich and flavorful mixture of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, sour cream, and melted cheeses. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, delivering layers of cheesy, savory goodness with a golden baked top.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to keep pasta from sticking.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a skillet, brown the ground Italian sausage or beef over medium-high heat. Once cooked, add the marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer gently to combine flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well blended.
- Assemble Layers: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the cheese mixture, then half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for sausage or beef for a leaner option.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- To make meal prep easier, assemble the ziti ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
