Million Dollar Baked Ziti – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a dish that will quickly become a family favorite! With its creamy, cheesy layers, rich Italian sausage or ground beef, and flavorful marinara sauce, this baked ziti recipe is a luxurious twist on a classic comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy family dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
The blend of ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates an indulgent and satisfying texture, making this Million Dollar Baked Ziti a recipe worthy of any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
1. Incredibly Creamy and Cheesy
The combination of ricotta cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella makes this Million Dollar Baked Ziti irresistibly creamy and cheesy, while Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor.
2. Perfect for a Crowd
This baked ziti recipe is easy to make in large batches, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing a hearty meal in advance.
3. Rich and Flavorful Sauce
The marinara sauce, paired with Italian sausage or beef, creates a savory, rich base. A touch of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes adds depth and just the right amount of heat.
4. Simple Ingredients
No need for complicated or hard-to-find ingredients—everything needed for this Million Dollar Baked Ziti can be easily found at your local grocery store.
5. Great for Leftovers
Like most pasta dishes, Million Dollar Baked Ziti tastes even better the next day! It keeps well in the refrigerator and is easy to reheat for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe is packed with rich, creamy, and cheesy flavors that make it an irresistible comfort food!
Main 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
✔ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
✔ Salt and pepper to taste
✔ Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Variations of Million Dollar Baked Ziti
🍆 Vegetarian Version – Omit the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a hearty, meat-free twist.
🔥 Spicy Ziti – Increase red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
🍗 Different Meats – Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
🧀 Extra Cheese – Add more mozzarella, ricotta, or provolone for a richer, cheesier experience.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Step 1: Cook the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground Italian sausage or ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Add minced garlic to the cooked meat and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
✔ Ricotta cheese
✔ Sour cream
✔ 1 cup mozzarella cheese
✔ ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Layer the Ziti
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish:
1️⃣ Spread half of the cooked ziti.
2️⃣ Top with half of the meat sauce.
3️⃣ Dollop half of the cheese mixture over the top.
4️⃣ Repeat with the remaining ziti, sauce, and cheese mixture.
Step 6: Top and Bake
✔ Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
✔ Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
✔ For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let the Million Dollar Baked Ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy! 🍽️✨
Tips for Making the Best Million Dollar Baked Ziti
✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
✔ Use Full-Fat Dairy – For the creamiest results, use full-fat ricotta and sour cream.
✔ Let it Rest Before Serving – This allows the sauce to thicken and makes it easier to serve.
✔ Double the Recipe – Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping extra portions!
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with:
🥖 Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side to soak up the rich marinara sauce.
🥗 Simple Green Salad – A fresh contrast to balance the creamy, cheesy flavors.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Adds a nutritious and flavorful complement to your meal.
For a complete Italian dining experience, serve with a glass of red wine 🍷 or sparkling water for a refreshing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
✔ Refrigerate: Store leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
✔ Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the ziti, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Thaw & Bake: When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Pro Tip: If baking from frozen, increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure the center is fully heated.
Reheating Million Dollar Baked Ziti
✔ Oven Method – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the dish’s creamy texture and crispy top.
✔ Microwave Method – For convenience, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce before reheating to keep the pasta from drying out.
FAQs: Million Dollar Baked Ziti
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta shape instead of ziti.
2. Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative to Italian sausage.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze the assembled dish before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store for up to 3 months in the freezer.
5. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! You can mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
6. Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
7. Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, covering the dish with foil while baking helps melt the cheese evenly. Uncover during the last 5 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.
8. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Yes! Homemade marinara sauce will enhance the flavor and give the dish a fresh, vibrant taste.
9. Can I use ricotta substitutes?
Yes! If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a creamy alternative.
10. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese, a hearty meat sauce, and tender pasta into a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for a busy week, or serving guests at a gathering, this baked ziti is guaranteed to impress.
With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this is a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try this Million Dollar Baked Ziti today and enjoy a meal that’s cheesy, hearty, and absolutely delicious! 🍝🧀✨
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 35 minutes Total Time 50 minutes Description
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
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.
- Assemble the Ziti:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta and the meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese mixtures. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Ziti:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can make this dish ahead of time by assembling the ziti and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- To freeze, assemble the ziti and cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, then bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.
- For a lighter version, you can swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt.