Irresistible Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe That Wows Every Time

Tucked away in my recipe collection, this million dollar baked ziti promises a culinary adventure that transcends ordinary pasta dishes.

Layers of rich, melted cheese and perfectly seasoned sauce create an irresistible comfort meal.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a magical symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Inspired by traditional italian cooking, the recipe combines simplicity with unexpected depth.

Each forkful delivers a luxurious experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Creamy, bubbling, and golden-brown, this dish invites you to savor every single bite.

Grab a fork and prepare to be delighted by this ultimate pasta masterpiece.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Overview

• Satisfy Hunger Quickly: A one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavor-packed meal in minutes, perfect for busy families craving comfort food.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like different cheeses, proteins, or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Combines classic flavors of ranch, bacon, and cheese that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Prepare everything in a single skillet, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on dishwashing after enjoying a delicious meal.

Ingredients For Million Dollar Baked Ziti

• Ziti: A classic tube-shaped pasta perfect for baked dishes, holding sauce beautifully.

• Ground Beef, Ground Sausage: Adds rich flavor and protein to the dish, creating a hearty base.

• Ricotta Cheese, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, smooth filling that adds richness and tang.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides a melty, golden topping with a sharp, salty finish.

• Marinara Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Delivers a classic tomato base with chunky texture.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the baked ziti.

• Foil: Helps protect the dish from over-browning during initial baking.

Step-By-Step Guide For Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil the ziti pasta according to package directions until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Drain the water completely and set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in ground beef or sausage and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Tip out any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and meld together for about 5 minutes, creating a rich, aromatic base.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Mixture

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

Blend until smooth and luxurious.

Step 6: Layer First Pasta Base

Spread half of the cooked ziti across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Smooth the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.

Step 7: Add Meat Sauce Layer

Pour half of the meat sauce over the cheese layer.

Follow with the remaining pasta and then top with the rest of the meat sauce.

Step 8: Sprinkle Cheese Topping

• Mozzarella cheese
• Remaining Parmesan cheese

across the top of the dish.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and develops a gorgeous golden color.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the ziti to cool for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Slice and serve this ultimate comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Cooking Advice For Million Dollar Baked Ziti

• Elevate this ziti by using high-quality ground Italian sausage for deeper flavor complexity. Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and ensure perfect texture. Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding provolone or fontina for extra richness. Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for convenient future meals. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and use reduced-fat cheese options without compromising taste.

Flavor Twists For Million Dollar Baked Ziti

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Mix in spinach or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Ziti: Add diced green chilies, chili powder, and swap marinara for salsa. Top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Ziti: Incorporate crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Use olive oil instead of meat and add kalamata olives for authentic Mediterranean flavors.
• Chicken Alfredo Fusion: Substitute beef with shredded rotisserie chicken. Replace marinara with creamy alfredo sauce and sprinkle with fresh thyme and garlic powder.

Best Pairings For Million Dollar Baked Ziti

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this ziti with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug. The fresh salad cuts through the richness of the pasta, creating a perfect balance.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Portion the ziti into individual serving dishes for a fun potluck or sports viewing party. Everyone gets their own perfectly cheesy serving that's easy to grab and enjoy.
• Romantic Date Night Twist: Plate the ziti on elegant dishware with a side of roasted vegetables. Dim the lights, add a glass of red wine, and transform this comfort food into a sophisticated dinner experience that feels special and intimate.

Storage Recommendations For Million Dollar Baked Ziti

• Store leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer cooled ziti to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Remove frozen ziti from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For quick thawing, use the microwave on defrost setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

The name suggests it’s exceptionally delicious and indulgent, packed with multiple types of cheeses and rich meat sauce that makes it taste like a million dollars.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a mixture of meats to customize the flavor profile of your dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this baked ziti reheats wonderfully and can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble it completely and refrigerate before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing in advance.

• How do I prevent the top from burning while baking?

Cover the dish with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking, which helps the ziti cook evenly without burning the cheese on top.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Million dollar baked ziti combines creamy cheeses, hearty pasta, and savory meats in a comforting Italian-American classic. Pasta enthusiasts will savor this rich, layered dish that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 lb (454 g) ziti pasta
• 1 jar (24 oz or 680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14 oz or 397 g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (226 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (226 g) sour cream
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain completely and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles. Drain accumulated fat.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the meat and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat and simmer the meat sauce for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
6. Create a creamy cheese mixture by combining ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese in a separate mixing bowl.
7. Construct the first pasta layer by spreading half of the cooked ziti across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the initial pasta layer, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Spoon half of the meat sauce across the cheese layer, followed by the remaining pasta and then the remaining sauce.
10. Generously top the casserole with mozzarella and reserved Parmesan cheese.
11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes at 375°F.
12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
13. Allow the ziti to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier version of this rich, comforting dish.
• Swap traditional pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free ziti to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for extra depth.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking for more intense taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg