Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this indulgent pasta dish. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why this will become your new favorite baked ziti recipe:

• Unbelievably Creamy: The signature element of this million dollar ziti is the luscious center layer made from a blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream. It creates a velvety texture that melts in your mouth and sets it miles apart from any other pasta bake.
• A True Crowd-Pleaser: I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t love this dish. It’s the perfect centerpiece for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or for bringing to a friend who needs a comforting meal. Everyone will ask for the recipe!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can assemble this entire million dollar pasta bake a day or two in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It makes busy weeknight dinners or party planning a total breeze.
• Rich, Hearty, and Satisfying: With a savory meat sauce, three kinds of cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is the definition of comfort food. Every bite is packed with robust flavor that will leave you feeling completely satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Million Dollar Baked Ziti lies in its use of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create something spectacular. The secret is in the layering of these components to build that “million dollar” flavor. This decadent baked ziti is a showstopper.

Substitutions & Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to make it your own with these simple swaps and additions. You can customize your Million Dollar Pasta Bake to suit your family’s tastes perfectly.

• Pasta: If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes. Their tube shape and ridges are perfect for catching all the delicious sauce and cheese.
• Meat: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For an even richer flavor, try using a sweet or mild Italian beef sausage.
• Make it Vegetarian: To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat. You can bulk up the sauce with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for a hearty and fantastic baked ziti.
• Cheese Swaps: If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use an equal amount of full-fat cottage cheese (I recommend blending it first for a smoother texture). Feel free to use a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone and asiago for the topping.
• Add a Little Spice: For those who like a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while it simmers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your perfect Million Dollar Baked Ziti. The process is all about building layers of flavor that will bake together into a cheesy, saucy masterpiece.

1. Prep Your Kitchen: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package directions, but be sure to pull it out 1-2 minutes early so it’s al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain off any excess fat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Finally, pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
4. Create the Creamy Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well-combined.
5. Assemble Your Ziti Bake: Now for the fun part! Spread half of the cooked ziti into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, dollop the entire cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it into an even layer. Top the cheese with the remaining pasta. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top layer of pasta, making sure to cover it completely.
6. Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown on top.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove your Million Dollar Baked Ziti from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows it to set up, making it easier to cut into clean slices. Garnish with more fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Success

Want to make this incredible baked ziti even better? These are my tried-and-true secrets for getting the most flavor and the perfect texture every single time.

• Slightly Undercook the Pasta: This is my number one tip! Because the pasta will continue to cook as it bakes in the sauce, cooking it to a firm al dente prevents it from becoming mushy. This ensures your Million Dollar Baked Ziti has the perfect bite.
• Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest, most luxurious result, don’t skimp on the cheese and sour cream. Full-fat versions melt better and provide the rich flavor that makes this dish famous.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: I know it’s an extra step, but shredding a block of mozzarella yourself makes a huge difference. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in starches that can prevent them from melting into that glorious, gooey cheese pull we all love.
• Season Every Layer: Don’t forget to generously salt your pasta water! It’s the first and only chance you have to season the pasta itself. Also, taste your meat sauce and cheese filling before assembling to ensure they are well-seasoned. This builds a more complex flavor profile for this perfect baked ziti.
• Let It Rest: It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes after it comes out of the oven is essential. This allows the layers to set, so you can serve beautiful, clean slices instead of a soupy pile.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti is almost as good as when it’s fresh from the oven! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly to enjoy it again.

• Refrigeration: Allow the baked ziti to cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. You can freeze the entire casserole (baked or unbaked). Wrap the dish in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for about 60-75 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown the cheese.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat your baked ziti is in the oven. Place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. The foil prevents it from drying out. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes until heated through.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This rich baked ziti is a hearty meal all on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can create a complete and well-rounded dinner.

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice! Serve it with our Cheesy Garlic Bread for dipping into any extra sauce on your plate.
• A Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette provides a perfect, crisp contrast to the richness of the pasta. A simple Caesar salad also works beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans tossed with a little olive oil and garlic add a healthy and delicious element to the meal.

FAQs

Can I make this Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the best things about this recipe. You can assemble the entire dish up to 2 days in advance.

Just build all the layers in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.

What’s the difference between this Million Dollar Baked Ziti and regular baked ziti?

The key difference between Million Dollar Baked Ziti and a traditional recipe is the incredibly rich and creamy cheese layer in the center. While regular baked ziti typically just mixes ricotta with the pasta and sauce, this version features a distinct, luscious layer made from ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream, which gives it its signature “million dollar” taste and texture.

Can I make this incredible baked ziti recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it’s very easy to adapt. Simply leave out the ground beef. To make the sauce heartier, you can sauté 8-10 ounces of chopped mushrooms with the onion until they release their moisture and brown nicely. You could also add a cup of wilted spinach to the cheese mixture for extra nutrients.

Why is my Million Dollar Baked Ziti dry?

A dry baked ziti can be disappointing, but it’s usually easy to fix! The most common culprits are overcooking the pasta initially, not using enough sauce, or baking it for too long uncovered. To prevent this, cook your pasta al dente, ensure the top layer of pasta is fully covered by sauce, and consider baking it covered with foil for the first 20 minutes before uncovering to brown the cheese.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

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• Author: Lena
• Total Time: 70 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a savory meat sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a secret, ridiculously creamy cheese layer made from ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream tucked in the middle. It’s a rich, hearty, and satisfying crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb (450g) Ziti pasta
1 lb (450g) Lean ground beef
1 large Yellow onion, diced
3–4 cloves Garlic, minced
24 oz jar Your favorite marinara sauce
1 tbsp Dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp Salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp Black pepper, or to taste
15 oz (425g) Whole milk ricotta cheese
8 oz (225g) Cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Sour cream
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside
3. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain off any excess fat
4. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
5. Pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes
6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth
7. Spread half of the cooked ziti into the bottom of the prepared baking dish
8. Dollop the entire cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it into an even layer
9. Top the cheese layer with the remaining pasta
10. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top layer of pasta, ensuring it’s completely covered
11. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce
12. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brow
13. Remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set for easier slicing

Notes

Slightly undercook the pasta to al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.

For the creamiest result, use full-fat dairy products (ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream).

Shredding your own block of mozzarella cheese will result in a better melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Season every component: salt the pasta water, and taste the meat sauce and cheese filling before assembling.

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and bulk up the sauce with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.

If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes.

For a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

The entire casserole can be assembled up to 2 days in advance, covered, and refrigerated before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the bake time.

• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 115mg