Million Dollar Baked Ziti

When it comes to hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meals, baked ziti is a classic favorite. However, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti takes it up a notch, combining creamy ricotta cheese, savory sausage, and a blend of rich mozzarella and Parmesan for an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love. The layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and marinara sauce come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. With minimal effort and a few key ingredients, you’ll have a dish that rivals any restaurant’s baked ziti. The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and perfectly cooked pasta is truly a winning combination that guarantees both comfort and flavor in every bite. This recipe is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve at a special occasion or a holiday gathering. Get ready to dive into this cheesy, savory, and irresistibly delicious baked ziti that will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cheese Galore

The creamy ricotta and sour cream, combined with two types of cheese—mozzarella and Parmesan—create the ultimate cheese experience in every bite.

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2. Simple Ingredients

With only a few basic ingredients, including ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and Italian sausage, this recipe is easy to pull together and doesn’t require complex preparation.

3. Comfort Food at Its Best

This baked ziti delivers all the comfort of a warm, cheesy pasta dish but with an extra layer of flavor and richness that makes it feel like a million-dollar meal.

4. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or feeding a family, this recipe yields generous servings, making it perfect for gatherings and leftovers.

5. Versatile and Customizable

From adding extra veggies to switching up the type of meat, this recipe is easily adaptable to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

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

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the ground sausage or beef for a plant-based protein or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Meat Lovers: Add pepperoni, pancetta, or bacon for a meaty twist.
• Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to heat things up.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb: Substitute the ziti pasta with zucchini noodles or another low-carb alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

Begin by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Add the minced garlic to the meat and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine with Marinara Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce, and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Mix Cheese Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until smooth and well-combined.

Step 6: Layer the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom. Add a layer of ziti pasta, then spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining meat sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure to drain the pasta well to prevent excess water from making the dish watery.
• For a richer flavor, use whole-milk ricotta and full-fat sour cream.
• Don’t skip the final step of baking uncovered; it creates the perfect crispy top.
• Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set for easier slicing.
• Customize the seasoning to your preference—add more Italian seasoning or even a pinch of sugar if the marinara sauce is too tangy.

How to Serve

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is perfect on its own or paired with a simple side salad and garlic bread. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a light soup for a complete meal. A drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil on top can add a touch of brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Freezing

To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. Cover with foil to prevent the top from getting too crispy while reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, but ziti works best due to its ability to hold sauce and cheese well.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be substituted for Italian sausage.

4. Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly in this recipe.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or even a bit of crushed chili pepper to the sauce for extra heat.

6. Can I freeze this baked ziti?

Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s properly stored in an airtight container.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese and experiment with different types of mozzarella, like smoked mozzarella, for a unique flavor.

8. How can I avoid watery baked ziti?

Make sure the pasta is well-drained, and use thick marinara sauce. If using fresh mozzarella, avoid using too much liquid from the cheese.

9. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the meat sauce for more flavor and nutrition.

10. How long should I bake it for?

Bake for about 25 minutes covered with foil and then an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered until golden and bubbly.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is an easy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of delicious cheese, savory meat, and perfectly baked pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you make it ahead, store it for later, or serve it fresh from the oven, this recipe promises to impress every time.

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