Easy Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe That Tastes Like Riches

Creamy, cheesy ziti with a million dollar baked ziti recipe twist that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

This pasta dish brings together classic Italian flavors in a spectacular way.

Every forkful promises rich, comforting goodness that speaks straight to the heart.

Layers of melted cheese, tender pasta, and savory sauce combine into a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners never looked this delicious or felt this effortless.

Generations of food lovers have swooned over this classic comfort food.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Cheesy Variations for Ziti Dinners

• Vegetarian Ziti Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meatless version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Ziti Option: Swap traditional ziti pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners while preserving the classic comfort food experience.
• Low-Carb Ziti Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice as a pasta replacement, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the cheesy, saucy essence of the original recipe intact.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Ziti Remix: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and add kalamata olives to transform the traditional recipe with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and nutritional complexity.

FAQs

• How can I make sure my ziti doesn't become mushy?

Cook the pasta just until al dente, which means it still has a slight firmness when you bite into it. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft during the baking process.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or Italian sausage work great as alternatives to ground beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well before adding to the sauce.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Replace full-fat cheeses with part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. You can also use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the overall fat content while maintaining great flavor.

• How do I know when the ziti is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden, bubbly cheese top and slightly crispy edges. The dish should be heated through, with the cheese melted and showing a beautiful golden-brown color.

Creamy Baked Ziti Worth a Million Bucks

• Dig into a hearty, cheesy dish that brings everyone together around the table with its irresistible layers and rich flavors.
• Create a restaurant-worthy meal with simple assembly steps that even novice cooks can master, building delicious layers without complicated techniques.
• Easily adapt the recipe by switching ground beef for sausage, adding vegetables, or adjusting cheese quantities to match your family's taste preferences.
• Perfect for making ahead, freezing, and reheating – this ziti transforms into a convenient solution for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Main Ingredients:

• Ziti: A classic pasta shape perfect for baked dishes with a tubular design that captures sauce.

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, savory protein and depth of flavor to the ziti.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds tangy and vibrant flavor to the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth base for the cheese mixture.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra richness and tangy complexity to the cheese layer.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides classic stretchy and melty cheese coverage.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty finishing touch to the dish.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the ziti.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing sticking in the cooking process.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Optional garnish that adds a fresh herbal note.

Easy Instructions for Creamy Ziti

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Prep the Dish

Turn your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Bring to a rolling boil, then drop in the ziti pasta.

Cook until it’s al dente with a slight bite.

Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Craft the Meaty Sauce

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Ground beef
• Marinara sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Heat a skillet with olive oil.

Sauté garlic until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until beautifully browned.

Drain excess fat.

Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for five minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Mozzarella cheese

Mix ricotta, sour cream, and one cup of mozzarella in a bowl until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Build the Ziti Layers

Spread half the cooked pasta in the baking dish.

Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the pasta.

Add remaining ziti, then pour meat sauce on top.

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create a golden crown.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes.

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

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Baked Ziti That Wows

• Cook ziti just until al dente to prevent mushy results, ensuring a delightful bite in every forkful.
• Thoroughly drain ground beef after browning to keep the meat sauce lean and prevent excess grease in the final dish.
• Blend ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella thoroughly for a creamy, smooth filling that distributes evenly throughout the ziti.
• Remove foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to create a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds irresistible texture and flavor.
• Allow the ziti to sit for a few minutes after baking, helping the layers set and making it easier to serve without falling apart.

Storing and Reheating Baked Ziti Right

• Store leftover ziti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer ziti to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place ziti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese top.

Great Matches for Creamy Ziti

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich meat sauce and cuts through the creamy cheese layers.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Create a light, tangy side that balances the heaviness of the ziti, using fresh romaine, homemade croutons, and zesty dressing.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Toast slices of crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic butter, providing a perfect crunchy accompaniment that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Match with Refreshing Prosecco: Select a sparkling Italian white wine that adds brightness and cleanses the palate between hearty bites of cheesy pasta.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory Million Dollar Baked Ziti emerges as a crowd-pleasing pasta masterpiece that blends rich Italian flavors with comfort food charm. Cheesy layers, robust marinara, and perfectly seasoned meat create a hearty dish you’ll crave at every family gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ziti pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Dairy Components:

• 1 cup (227 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (227 grams) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook ziti pasta until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until completely browned, removing any excess fat.
4. Stir marinara sauce into the meat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer the meat sauce for 5 minutes to develop deep flavors.
5. Create the cheese mixture by combining ricotta, sour cream, and one cup of mozzarella cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and well-blended.
6. Layer the assembled dish by spreading half the cooked ziti in the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the pasta.
7. Add remaining ziti on top of the cheese layer, then pour the entire meat sauce over the pasta.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top to create a golden, cheesy crust.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving warm.

Notes

• Cook ziti just until al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushy texture in the final dish.
• Thoroughly drain ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more concentrated meat sauce.
• Mix ricotta with sour cream for an extra creamy and tangy cheese layer that elevates the overall richness.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenience and deeper flavor melding.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version. Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg