Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible pasta dish, Million Dollar Baked Ziti is here to steal the show! This recipe combines tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a rich, creamy cheese mixture for a baked ziti that feels like a million bucks. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, it’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.

What Is Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting pasta casserole that elevates traditional baked ziti with a luxurious cheese layer. It features layers of al dente pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, and mozzarella. It’s then topped with even more cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. The result? A pasta dish so rich and delicious, it truly feels priceless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The addition of cream cheese and sour cream makes the cheese mixture ultra-decadent.
• Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
• Customizable: Swap the protein or pasta to suit your preferences.
• Leftover Gold: Even better reheated the next day!

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
• 1 (8 oz / 225 g) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta and Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture

5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.

Assembling the Dish

6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
7. Layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the cheese mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining meat sauce on top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Baking

9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti hot with:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the cheesy sauce.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Red Wine: Pair with a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Chianti for an elevated dining experience.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions

• To Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 20–25 minutes to the baking time.
• To Freeze After Baking: Cool completely, then wrap in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until hot.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.
• Extra Veggies: Add layers of roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a nutritional boost.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even shells work perfectly for this recipe.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How do I prevent the dish from drying out?
Make sure to cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking and don’t overbake it.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts or any creative variations you tried!

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