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Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- 1. Preheat and Prepare
- 2. Cook the Pasta
- 3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- 4. Mix the Cheeses
- 5. Assemble the Dish
- 6. Bake
- 7. Serve
- Variations
- Spicy Baked Ziti
- Vegetarian Baked Ziti
- Extra Cheesy Baked Ziti
- Creamy Tomato Version
- Herb-Infused Baked Ziti
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Does Million Dollar Baked Ziti freeze well?
- Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
- What if I do not have sour cream?
- How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?
- Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying, and flavor-packed dinner, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti delivers on every level. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and layered with a savory meat sauce that feels like it came straight from an Italian kitchen. What takes this ziti to “million dollar” status is the luxurious ricotta and sour cream mixture that melts into every bite.
Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prepping, this recipe is dependable, delicious, and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil the ziti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Drain excess fat, stir in the marinara sauce, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix the Cheeses
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth and well blended.
5. Assemble the Dish
Layer half of the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
Add the remaining pasta on top, then pour the meat sauce over the entire dish.
Finish with the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
7. Serve
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Variations
Spicy Baked Ziti
Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti
Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. A plant-based ground substitute works as well.
Extra Cheesy Baked Ziti
Add extra mozzarella, provolone, or even fontina for a richer, cheesier bake.
Creamy Tomato Version
Stir 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half into the marinara sauce to create a smooth, creamy tomato base.
Herb-Infused Baked Ziti
Mix fresh or dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley into the cheese mixture for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread, garlic knots, or crusty Italian bread.
- Pair with a Caesar salad, mixed greens, or a tomato and mozzarella salad.
- Add roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Works well with red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Chianti.
This dish is excellent for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep, and it reheats beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the ziti up to two days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready. If baking straight from the refrigerator, add about 10 minutes to the bake time.
Does Million Dollar Baked Ziti freeze well?
It freezes very well, either before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes. Blend the cottage cheese for a smoother texture if preferred. It’s a great budget-friendly alternative.
What if I do not have sour cream?
You can substitute with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or additional ricotta. Sour cream provides richness, but the dish will still work without it.
How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?
Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking, and keep the foil on during the initial bake to trap moisture.
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- Pasta & Meat Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese Layer Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional Ingredient:
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the minced garlic for a minute or two until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, then drain off excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella until the mixture is smooth and well blended. To assemble the dish, spread half the pasta in the prepared baking dish, add the cheese mixture on top, then layer the remaining pasta over it. Pour the meat sauce evenly across the top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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