Heavenly Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this million dollar baked ziti that promises to steal the show at any dinner table.

Rich, cheesy layers promise a culinary experience that goes beyond ordinary pasta dishes.

Pasta lovers will adore how each bite melts with creamy goodness and robust flavors.

The recipe combines simple ingredients into a masterpiece of hearty Italian-American cuisine.

Perfectly balanced herbs and spices create a symphony of taste that lingers long after the last forkful.

Packed with melted cheese and savory meat, this baked ziti transforms an everyday meal into a celebration.

Million Dollar Ziti Twists and Ideas

• Vegetarian Ziti: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Use vegetable marinara sauce for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular ziti pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Ziti: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use low-carb marinara sauce and full-fat cheeses to maintain the creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwestern Ziti: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

Serving Million Dollar Ziti with Style

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice ziti into generous squares and arrange on a large wooden board with extra marinara for dipping and fresh basil sprigs.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Serve with a crisp caesar salad and garlic bread to create a complete, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
• Family Style Feast: Place the entire baking dish in the center of the table with extra grated Parmesan on the side, letting everyone serve themselves family-style.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich, hearty ziti with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to elevate the dining experience.

Storage for Baked Ziti to Keep It Fresh

• Transfer leftover ziti to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep the pasta's texture.
• Wrap the baked ziti securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen ziti in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any similar tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef or sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground meat, low-fat cheese options, and add extra vegetables to increase nutritional value without compromising flavor.

• Can I prepare Million Dollar Baked Ziti in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when ready to cook.

Million Dollar Ziti, Reasons It’s Beloved

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich, creamy pasta perfection that satisfies every taste bud with its hearty meat sauce and multiple cheese layers.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels while producing restaurant-quality results.
• Adaptable Dinner Champion: Easily customizable with different meat options, can feed a large group, and works perfectly for weekly family meals or special gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep components in advance, assemble quickly, and bake when ready, offering ultimate convenience for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without stress.

Ingredients to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: A classic tubular pasta that provides the hearty base for this comforting casserole.
• Ground Beef Or Sausage: Adds rich, savory protein to create a satisfying main dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato sauce that brings tangy and robust flavor to the ziti.

• Ricotta Cheese, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: These creamy cheeses blend together to create a luxurious and smooth cheese mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide melty, golden topping and sharp, salty notes to complete the dish.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Parsley: These herbs and aromatics enhance the overall flavor profile and add a fresh, aromatic touch to the baked ziti.

Steps for Million Dollar Ziti Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Carefully drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, cook ground beef or Italian sausage with minced garlic until it’s thoroughly browned and crispy.

Drain any excess fat, then mix in marinara sauce for rich flavor.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Half of the Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 5: Build Delicious Layers

• Spread half of the cooked ziti pasta
• Add half of the creamy cheese mixture
• Pour half of the meat sauce
• Repeat the layering process
• Top with mozzarella cheese
• Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges are bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the ziti to rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy this decadent and comforting meal with family and friends.

Tips for Extra Creamy Baked Ziti

• Stir ziti immediately after draining and toss with a little olive oil to keep noodles from clumping together.
• Thoroughly drain browned meat to avoid excess grease making the dish watery and heavy.
• Mix cheeses at room temperature for smoother, more even incorporation and creamier texture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil to the meat sauce for extra complexity and warmth.
• Let the ziti rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving easier.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Baked Ziti delivers Italian comfort straight to your dinner table. Layered with rich marinara, melted mozzarella, and hearty pasta, this crowd-pleasing dish will become your new family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ziti pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups (470 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 block (8 ounces/226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 jar (24 ounces/680 grams) marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Boil ziti pasta until perfectly tender, ensuring it maintains a slight firmness. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Brown ground meat in a skillet, incorporating minced garlic for depth of flavor. Remove excess fat and combine with marinara sauce, creating a rich meat mixture.
4. Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, half the Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Construct the casserole in strategic layers: spread a base of pasta, followed by an even layer of cheese mixture, then generously cover with meat sauce. Repeat the layering process for maximum flavor distribution.
6. Crown the casserole with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese, ensuring complete surface coverage.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to begin melting.
8. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and edges become crispy and bubbling.
9. Allow the ziti to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the layers to set and making serving easier. Sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano directly into the cheese mixture for extra depth.
• Make ahead and refrigerate assembled dish for up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
• Create a gluten-free alternative by using gluten-free pasta and checking marinara sauce ingredients for hidden gluten.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg