Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish that tastes like it came straight from a high-end Italian restaurant. With layers of ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, a savory meat sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti, then layer with half of the ricotta mixture and half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with the remaining sauce.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 480
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 850mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g

Enjoy this indulgent Million Dollar Baked Ziti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal! 🍝

The Origins of Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish with roots in traditional Italian cuisine. In Italy, baked pasta dishes such as “pasta al forno” have been enjoyed for generations, especially during special occasions and holidays. The concept of layering pasta with sauce and cheese before baking is an adaptation of traditional Italian lasagna but with a simpler approach. When Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States, baked ziti became a staple in many households, loved for its hearty, cheesy goodness and ease of preparation.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

The “Million Dollar” aspect of this baked ziti comes from the rich and creamy ricotta mixture combined with sour cream and eggs, which gives the dish a velvety texture. Unlike traditional baked ziti recipes, which might only use ricotta and mozzarella, this version creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile with the added ingredients. The layers of ziti, cheese, and meat sauce meld together beautifully in the oven, creating a luscious, restaurant-quality dish that feels indulgent and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this dish is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a party or feeding a hungry family, this baked ziti is a guaranteed hit.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake when ready for a stress-free meal.
Comforting and Hearty: The creamy, cheesy layers and robust meat sauce make this a fulfilling, satisfying dish perfect for cold evenings.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences, such as using different meats, adding vegetables, or experimenting with different cheeses.

The Key Ingredients That Elevate This Dish

Million Dollar Baked Ziti stands out due to the balance of its key ingredients. Here’s how each component contributes to the dish’s luxurious taste and texture:

Ziti Pasta: This tubular pasta holds the sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Ricotta Cheese Mixture: The combination of ricotta, sour cream, egg, and Parmesan cheese creates a creamy and slightly tangy layer that enhances the dish.
Meat Sauce: A well-seasoned meat sauce made with ground beef or Italian sausage adds depth and heartiness.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: These cheeses create a gooey, melty topping with a slight crispiness when baked.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic: These aromatics bring out the classic Italian flavors, making the dish even more appetizing.
Fresh Parsley Garnish: A final touch of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness to the dish.

Best Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Baked Ziti pairs well with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus adds a nutritious and flavorful contrast.
A Glass of Red Wine: A bold red wine such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the depth of flavors in the dish.

Tips for Making the Best Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, slightly undercooking it ensures it doesn’t turn mushy.
Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a superior taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the baked ziti to sit for 10 minutes before serving helps the layers set and makes for easier slicing.
Customize with Add-Ins: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for an extra layer of flavor.
Make it Spicier: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage in the meat sauce.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is an excellent meal for leftovers, and it stores well in the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Freezing: Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour or until heated through.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat substitute.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
Low-Carb Alternative: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb twist.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a rich, comforting, and indulgent meal that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special gathering, or simply to treat yourself, this dish delivers an unbeatable combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. With its easy preparation, make-ahead convenience, and irresistible flavor, it’s no surprise that this recipe has earned its “Million Dollar” title. Serve it up with your favorite sides, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!

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