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Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, cheesy, and indulgent dish that is sure to impress. This recipe elevates the classic baked ziti with a creamy blend of ricotta, sour cream, and savory Italian sausage or beef, creating a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will love. What truly sets this dish apart is the combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and a touch of Italian seasoning, which gives it a depth of flavor you won’t be able to resist. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or a special occasion, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti will quickly become a favorite.

The creamy ricotta and sour cream provide a smooth texture, while the combination of marinara sauce and Italian sausage (or beef) ensures a rich, satisfying meat sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this ziti offers the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and bold flavors. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or as leftovers the next day, this dish is always a winner. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cheesy and Creamy

The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and sour cream creates an irresistibly creamy and cheesy dish that is packed with flavor in every bite.

2. Rich and Flavorful Meat Sauce

Whether you use ground Italian sausage or beef, the savory meat sauce with marinara sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning provides a rich base that complements the pasta and cheese perfectly.

3. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

This recipe yields a hearty amount of food, making it perfect for family gatherings, parties, or meal prepping for the week.

4. Simple Ingredients

With just a few ingredients like ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and ground meat, you can easily make this comforting dish with items you likely already have in your kitchen.

5. Easy to Customize

Feel free to add extra ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, or even a bit of heat with red pepper flakes, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your personal taste.

Ingredients

Ziti pasta
Olive oil
Ground Italian sausage or ground beef
Marinara sauce
Ricotta cheese
Sour cream
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic, minced
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Variations

Vegetarian option: Swap the ground meat for plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a meatless version.
Add vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Spicy version: If you love spice, add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a fiery kick.
Cheese blend: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist on the flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage (or beef) and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until it’s fully browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

To the skillet with the meat, add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Combine the Cheeses

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble the Ziti

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta and top with half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. Finish by sprinkling the top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the oven, it’s important to cook it al dente to avoid it becoming too soft.
Use full-fat ricotta and sour cream: For the creamiest texture, opt for full-fat ricotta cheese and sour cream.
Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want to freeze some for later, double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish.
Let it rest: Allow the baked ziti to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.

How to Serve

Serve your Million Dollar Baked Ziti with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine or a sparkling beverage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked ziti either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed. If freezing after baking, allow the dish to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta that can hold sauce.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can use plant-based sausage or a mix of vegetables like mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I freeze Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. Just make sure to properly cover it in foil and store it in a freezer-safe container.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or fresh diced chili peppers to the marinara sauce to spice it up.

5. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage or beef if you prefer a leaner option.

6. Can I use low-fat ricotta and sour cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat versions, but the dish will be less creamy and rich. Full-fat versions provide the best texture and flavor.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days.

8. Can I add more cheese?

Of course! Feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan to the layers for extra cheesy goodness.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat by baking in the oven or microwaving individual servings.

10. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is an indulgent and satisfying dish that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta and sour cream, and gooey melted cheese creates a deliciously rich meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe guarantees a hearty, comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.