Million Dollar Baked Ziti

If you’re craving a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying pasta dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the recipe you need. Packed with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and melted mozzarella, it lives up to its name in flavor and comfort. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is pure baked pasta bliss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Layered Like Lasagna – But easier and faster to assemble.
Ultra Creamy – A ricotta and sour cream filling takes it over the top.
Freezer-Friendly – Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family meals, holidays, and potlucks.
Customizable – Use ground chicken, beef, or your favorite marinara sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:
1 lb ziti pasta
Salted water, for boiling

For the Meat Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheese Filling:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning

For Topping:
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for pasta
Large skillet or saucepan
Mixing bowls
9×13-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil
Spatula or spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add ziti and cook until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions.
3. Drain and set aside. Do not overcook—the pasta will finish in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef or chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Drain excess grease if needed.
6. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
7. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and dried parsley.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Baked Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce.
4. Spread the entire cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
5. Add half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese.
6. Layer the rest of the ziti on top.
7. Finish with the remaining meat sauce.
8. Sprinkle the top with 1½ cups shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

1. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
4. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
5. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Undercook the Pasta – Al dente pasta holds up better when baked.
Use Quality Sauce – Homemade or a favorite store-bought marinara adds depth.
Layer Like Lasagna – Cheese in the middle makes every bite creamy.
Let It Rest – Slicing too soon makes it fall apart; 10 minutes makes all the difference.
Double for Later – Make one to eat, one to freeze—it’s meal prep magic.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – Adds a fresh, crunchy balance to the rich pasta.
Roasted Vegetables – Try broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
Sparkling Water or Lemonade – A refreshing drink cuts through the richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta?
   Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni work just as well.
2. Is there a substitute for ricotta?
   Cottage cheese works as a lower-fat alternative.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely. Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
4. Can I assemble it ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is everything you love about baked pasta—layers of cheesy, creamy, saucy goodness all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and guaranteed to bring comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. Whether it’s a holiday meal, a casual Sunday dinner, or your go-to freezer dish, this recipe delivers every time.

Try it out and see why it earns its “million dollar” title—you’ll be making it again and again!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 610mg

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