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
Scale
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.
