If you are craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that will wow your friends and family without hours in the kitchen, the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is your new best friend. This baked ziti combines hearty Italian sausage, luscious cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta all layered in a rich marinara sauce that makes every bite absolutely unforgettable. It’s the perfect dish to bring together for gatherings or just to treat yourself to a delicious, homey meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together perfectly to deliver a dish loaded with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays its part in creating the creamy, savory, and satisfying layers that make this baked ziti truly special.
- 1 pound ziti pasta: The sturdy shape holds the sauce and cheese beautifully for every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the pasta from sticking and adds just a touch of richness.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef: Adds a bold, savory backbone to the sauce.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The tomato base that brings acidity and sweetness in perfect balance.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it softens the tang in the sauce while adding luscious texture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a slight tang and creaminess that makes the cheese mixture luxurious.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts seamlessly for gooey, bubbly topping and layers.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Brings nutty, salty notes that enrich the flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A herb blend that ties the entire dish together with classic Mediterranean hints.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a pop of heat for those who love a kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Bright, fresh, and fragrant, a perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy cleanup and a perfectly baked finish. Cook the ziti pasta in boiling salted water until it’s just al dente—it should have a little bite but not be mushy. As soon as it drains, toss the pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add a subtle richness that will carry through the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Build the Sauce
In a large skillet, brown your ground Italian sausage or beef until it’s fully cooked and beginning to crisp at the edges. Then add the minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and if you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until all the flavors have melded together beautifully, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesy Mixture
While your sauce simmers, mix together the ricotta cheese, sour cream, half the mozzarella cheese, and half the Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a creamy, tangy, cheesy layer that balances perfectly with the savory meat sauce and tender pasta. It’s the secret to making this dish feel so indulgent.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Now it’s time to assemble the million-dollar magic. Start with a layer of half the cooked ziti spread evenly in your baking dish. Spoon over half the cheese mixture, followed by half the meat sauce. Repeat these layers with the remaining ziti, cheese, and meat sauce to build a glorious, hearty casserole.
Step 5: Top, Bake, and Brown
Top the assembled layers with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then cover the dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes to let everything meld and heat through. Then, uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top turns golden brown and bubbly, signaling that your Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is ready to be devoured. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set beautifully.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your baked ziti with fresh basil leaves right before serving. The bright, herbal aroma of basil cuts through the richness, adding a lovely freshness and making each plate look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or some garlic bread for extra indulgence. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also complement the baked ziti with a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this baked ziti in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch, perfect for dinner parties. Or present it family-style straight from the baking dish with plenty of napkins nearby because it’s a dish that beckons for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making reheated portions even tastier.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the baked ziti but don’t bake it yet—cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer by adding extra baking time and keeping it covered until heated through.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the entire casserole covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through. To revive the bubbly top, remove the foil near the end of reheating and let the cheese crisp up again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional and holds up well in baking, penne or rigatoni are excellent alternatives that capture sauce just as nicely.
Is it necessary to use Italian sausage?
Italian sausage adds a lot of flavor and a bit of spice, but ground beef or even ground turkey can be used depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based meat alternative to maintain that hearty texture and umami flavor.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt or simply increase the ricotta cheese slightly for the creamy layer—it won’t drastically change the outcome.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce. A spicy Italian sausage also amps up the heat deliciously.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake, and this Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe truly hits all the right notes. Packed with flavor and so easy to prepare, it’s a go-to meal for weeknights and special occasions alike. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it earns its name—it’s a dish worth savoring again and again. Go ahead, make this recipe, and delight everyone at your table with a dish that feels like a million bucks!
Print
Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting and cheesy Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta baked with a rich meat sauce and creamy cheese blends, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden finish. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines ground Italian sausage or beef with marinara sauce and a luscious ricotta-sour cream mixture, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Ziti: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and toss with olive oil to keep the noodles separated.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage or beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well blended.
- Assemble Layers: Spread half of the cooked ziti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat layering with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Add Toppings and Bake Covered: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered and Rest: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for the Italian sausage for a milder flavor.
- Letting the ziti rest after baking helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer less heat.
- For a richer dish, consider adding a layer of shredded mozzarella inside each layer.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
