The Golden Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a million dollar baked ziti recipe demands culinary passion and clever technique.

Layers of rich, melted cheeses create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Pasta transforms into a luxurious comfort dish with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Italian seasoning and perfectly balanced ingredients make this meal feel like an indulgent restaurant experience.

Creamy textures and robust marinara sauce promise a delightful dining adventure.

Hearty portions ensure everyone leaves the table feeling completely content.

Let’s uncover the secrets behind this irresistible pasta masterpiece that will become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Worth Trying

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A classic pasta dish that brings everyone together with rich, cheesy goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for sausage or use different cheese blends to match your family's taste preferences.
• Layer Like a Pro: Simple step-by-step assembly creates restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Meals: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, and gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: A classic pasta shape perfect for holding onto rich, hearty sauces in this comforting baked dish.

• Ground Beef, Ground Sausage: Flavorful meats that add richness and depth to the ziti's sauce.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that brings vibrant flavor to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes that add texture and extra tomato goodness to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and meat while adding a subtle, smooth flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a aromatic base that enhances the overall taste of the sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy cheese that creates a luxurious, smooth layer in the ziti.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and tang to the cheese mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating those irresistible cheesy pulls.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty flavor that complements the other cheeses.

• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and adds structure.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds traditional Italian flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean finish to the baked ziti.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Ziti

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil ziti pasta following package directions.

Once perfectly al dente, drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sizzle the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance until fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet.

Break it into small crumbly pieces and cook until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain any excess fat.

Step 5: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer and meld flavors for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Egg
• Half the Parmesan cheese

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Layer the First Base

Spread a generous layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.

Top with half the cooked pasta.

Step 8: Add Creamy Cheese Layer

Dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta.

Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese.

Step 9: Repeat Delicious Layers

Create another layer with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.

Dust the top with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Let the ziti sit for 10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your million-dollar comfort meal!

Tips to Perfect Baked Ziti

• Slightly undercook ziti by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushy results when baking.
• Drain ground meat thoroughly and pat dry to eliminate excess moisture that can make ziti runny.
• Let ziti rest 10 minutes after baking so cheese sets and becomes creamy instead of stringy.
• Create even layers for consistent flavor distribution and perfect bite every time.
• Add red pepper flakes or fresh basil for extra depth and personal touch to the classic recipe.

Variations to Switch Up Baked Ziti

• Vegetarian Ziti: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ziti pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute ziti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Spicy Mexican Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Ziti

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this ziti with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that will impress guests.
• Cozy Family Feast: Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to add nutritious sides that complement the rich pasta dish.
• Italian Wine Companion: Enhance the flavors by serving with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully match the tomato and beef elements.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Tips for Baked Ziti

• Store leftover ziti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled ziti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

• Can I prepare Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef or sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Million dollar baked ziti delivers a cheesy, comforting pasta experience that rivals restaurant-quality dishes. Italian-inspired layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese create a memorable meal for family gatherings and weekend dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ziti pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage

Cheese Blend:

• 1 cup (240 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (240 grams) sour cream
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Boil the ziti pasta until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until aromatic.
4. Add ground meat, breaking into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned; discard excess fat.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, incorporating diced tomatoes and seasonings. Allow mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 5 minutes.
6. Create a creamy ricotta blend by whisking ricotta, sour cream, egg, and half the Parmesan until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Construct the first layer in the baking dish by spreading a generous portion of meat sauce across the bottom.
8. Distribute half the cooked pasta over the sauce layer, creating an even foundation.
9. Carefully spread the ricotta mixture across the pasta, then sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese.
10. Repeat layering process with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella, finishing with a Parmesan cheese dusting.
11. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and sauce bubbles.
13. Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes before serving, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

• Meat Variation: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that’s lighter but still packed with flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free ziti pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the meat sauce for added nutrition and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 566 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg