Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a dish that will quickly become a family favorite! With its creamy, cheesy layers, rich Italian sausage or ground beef, and flavorful marinara sauce, this baked ziti is a luxurious twist on a classic comfort food. It’s a perfect meal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family dinner. The blend of ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a sauce that’s indulgent and satisfying, making this recipe worthy of a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Incredibly Creamy and Cheesy

The combination of ricotta cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella creates an irresistibly creamy and cheesy dish, while the Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor.

2. Perfect for a Crowd

This recipe is easy to make in large batches, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing a hearty meal in advance for the week.

3. Rich and Flavorful Sauce

The marinara sauce, paired with either Italian sausage or beef, creates a savory base that is rich in flavor. A touch of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes gives the dish just the right amount of depth.

4. Simple Ingredients

You don’t need any complicated or hard-to-find ingredients to make this dish. Everything you need is easy to find at your local grocery store.

5. Great for Leftovers

Like most pasta dishes, Million Dollar Baked Ziti tastes even better the next day! It keeps well in the refrigerator and is easy to reheat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy Ziti: Increase the red pepper flakes or add spicy sausage to give this dish a little extra heat.
• Different Meats: Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
• Extra Cheese: Add more mozzarella, ricotta, or even provolone cheese for an even richer, cheesier experience.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage or ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the cooked meat and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Mix the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Layer the Ziti

In a large greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti. Top with half of the meat sauce mixture, then dollop half of the cheese mixture over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, sauce, and cheese mixture.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the layered ziti. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the ziti pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest, most indulgent result, use full-fat ricotta and sour cream.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the baked ziti sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and make it easier to serve.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a large group or want extra leftovers, you can easily double the recipe and bake in a larger dish.

How to Serve

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a complete Italian meal, serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling water.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled ziti before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta shape instead of ziti.

2. Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative to Italian sausage.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

5. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

6. Can I make it spicy?

Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add spicy sausage for more heat.

7. Do I need to cover the dish while baking?

Yes, covering the dish with foil while baking helps the cheese melt evenly. You can uncover it during the last 5 minutes for a golden top.

8. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce will work wonderfully in this recipe. It will add a fresh, vibrant flavor.

9. Can I use ricotta substitutes?

Yes, if you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream.

10. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that will impress your family and guests alike. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or making it ahead for a busy week, this baked ziti will be a dish you return to again and again.

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