If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying, the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is an absolute game changer. Loaded with creamy ricotta and sour cream, perfectly seasoned meat sauce, and layers of melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this baked ziti never fails to impress. It’s the ideal combination of gooey, savory, and hearty, making it a favorite for family dinners and special gatherings alike. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes when you want to wow everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe, you only need a handful of simple, essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient has an important job, whether it’s adding creamy richness, savory depth, or a hint of spice.
- Ziti pasta: The perfect tubular shape holds onto the sauce and cheese wonderfully.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and prevents the pasta from sticking.
- Ground Italian sausage or beef: Provides a flavorful, hearty base that’s seasoned to perfection.
- Marinara sauce: Brings rich tomato flavor and bright acidity to balance the richness.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild, smooth texture that elevates each bite.
- Sour cream: Boosts the creaminess and gives a subtle tang that complements the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Offers that melty, stretchy goodness everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese: Packs a salty, nutty punch that enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic notes.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to deepen the savory profile.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a bit of spice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every component just right.
- Fresh basil leaves: For a fresh, fragrant garnish that brightens the final dish.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your baked ziti won’t stick and will come out perfectly baked every time.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your ziti pasta until it’s just al dente—meaning it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite. Toss it with olive oil right after draining to keep the noodles from clumping, giving you a smooth, easy-to-layer pasta base.
Step 3: Brown the Meat and Build the Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, brown your choice of ground Italian sausage or beef until fully cooked. Add minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and your red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Allow this mixture to simmer gently so all those bold flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and half a cup of grated Parmesan. This creamy blend will bring luscious richness to the dish and balance the savory meat sauce perfectly.
Step 5: Layer the Ziti
Begin by spreading half of the cooked ziti evenly in your baking dish. Follow with half of the cheese mixture, then pour over half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, cheese, and meat sauce, building that irresistible stack of flavors.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top to create a golden, bubbly crust once baked. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let everything heat through and meld together.
Step 7: Finish Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is gloriously golden and bubbly. Let your Million Dollar Baked Ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps the layers set for easier cutting and better flavor distribution.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect finishing touch—they bring a burst of color and subtle freshness that cuts through the richness of this baked pasta dish. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the table is always welcome too.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this recipe, balancing the creamy, hearty main course with some refreshing crunch. Garlic bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls also complement the flavors and add a satisfying carb element.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Million Dollar Baked Ziti in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—perfect for dinner parties or holiday meals. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or fresh chopped parsley on top for added texture and a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually develop even more after a day, making it a fantastic option for next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Simply cover your baked ziti tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2 months—ideal for meal prep or saving for a cozy night in.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on medium power to keep that creamy texture intact without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional and holds the sauce well, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes that create a similar texture and bite.
Is it necessary to use both ricotta and sour cream?
The combination delivers a unique creaminess and slight tang that makes the dish so special, but if you prefer, you can replace sour cream with additional ricotta or even cream cheese for a richer texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and increase the amount of marinara sauce and cheese. You could also add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to keep it hearty and flavorful.
How spicy is the dish if I add red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can adjust the amount according to your preference or leave them out for a milder flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the baked ziti from drying out?
Covering the dish with foil during most of the baking process helps retain moisture. Also, tossing the pasta with olive oil before layering keeps it from getting sticky or dry.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its amazing layers of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness are perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply indulging in some delicious comfort food. Once you make it, I bet you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty Italian-American casserole layered with tender al dente ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, sour cream, and cheeses. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it bakes to golden perfection and is garnished with fresh basil for a flavorful finish—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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 Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, which means tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep it from sticking together.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage or beef until fully cooked and crumbly. Drain any excess fat. Add marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for several minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix Cheese Blend: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti, then half of the cheese mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat this layering one more time with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce for even distribution.
- Add Final Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake Covered: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake covered for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through evenly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a bright, fresh aroma and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and check that marinara sauce is labeled gluten-free.
