If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta bake that brings all the cozy vibes in one dish, you’re in for a treat. The Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is that perfect combination of creamy ricotta, savory sausage, and melted mozzarella layered with tender pasta and rich marinara. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and turns any dinner into a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this baked ziti will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe after the first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting a great Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe starts with ingredients that are simple yet incredibly flavorful. Each component plays a key role: from the pasta providing a tender bite, to the cheeses creating that irresistible creamy texture, and the spiced meat sauce bringing depth and heartiness.
- Ziti pasta: Classic tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully and bakes perfectly.
- Olive oil: Used to toss pasta so it doesn’t stick and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- Ground Italian sausage or ground beef: Adds savory richness and a little spice depending on your choice.
- Marinara sauce: The tomato base that’s bursting with herbs and balances the cheese beautifully.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, slightly sweet layer that lightens the dense sauce and cheese mix.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cheese mixture luscious and smooth with a slight tang.
- Mozzarella cheese: Essential for that melty, stringy, golden cheese topping everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances all the other ingredients.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a punch of flavor to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that makes the sauce taste homemade and comforting.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to balance out the richness.
- Salt and pepper: The basics to season everything perfectly.
- Fresh basil leaves: For a bright, fresh garnish that cuts through the richness with a hint of herbal sweetness.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the ziti won’t stick and will bake evenly for that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Ziti
Boil the ziti pasta until just al dente, meaning it should still have a tiny bit of bite to hold up well in the bake. Once drained, toss the pasta with olive oil—a simple step that keeps the noodles from sticking and adds a nice sheen.
Step 3: Brown the Meat and Build Your Sauce
In a skillet, brown the ground Italian sausage or beef until nicely caramelized, which adds depth to the flavor. Stir in the marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and if you like a touch of spice, add red pepper flakes here. Let it simmer for a few minutes so all those flavors come together beautifully.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. This luscious blend will create a velvety layer that contrasts perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce and hearty meat.
Step 5: Layer It Up
Start by spreading half of the ziti evenly on the bottom of your baking dish. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, then layer half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers once more to build a perfect balance in every bite.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, scatter fresh basil leaves on top to add a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic finishing touch, but you can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an elegant look and enhanced flavor. A bit of crushed red pepper can add a nice kick as well.
Side Dishes
This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread is also a fan favorite that complements the savory layers of this dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or plate it family-style straight from the dish at the table to keep things cozy and casual. For special occasions, topping with a dollop of fresh ricotta or a spoonful of pesto can elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe has cooled, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after resting overnight, making leftovers equally delicious.
Freezing
This baked ziti freezes beautifully. Prepare the dish as directed but stop before the final bake. Cover the unbaked ziti tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again, usually about 15-20 minutes. For individual servings, you can also microwave on medium heat, stirring midway to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, penne or rigatoni work just as well because their shapes hold the sauce nicely and bake up with similar texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and toss in sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian twist on the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe.
What can I substitute for sour cream if I don’t have any?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar creamy texture and mild tang, keeping that luscious cheese layer intact.
How spicy does the dish get with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat, making the flavor more complex without overwhelming the other ingredients. You can always adjust the amount or leave them out to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and bake it just before serving. This is ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is truly a standout comfort food that feels both special and approachable. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your table with happy faces. I encourage you to give it a try—whether for a family dinner or your next get-together, it’s sure to become a beloved staple on your recipe rotation.
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 rich Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta layered with a flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta and sour cream mixture, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This hearty baked dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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 oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or non-stick spray to ensure the baked ziti doesn’t stick.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and toss the hot pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage or beef until fully cooked and crumbly. Add minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well, season with salt and pepper, and simmer the sauce for about 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the casserole: In the greased baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti as the first layer. Top with half the cheese mixture, then half the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Add final cheese topping and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake uncovered and garnish: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves and serving.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful dish or ground beef for a milder taste.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer a non-spicy version.
- Allowing the baked ziti to rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to portion.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
