Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of Million Dollar Baked Ziti straight out of the oven. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy filling come together in this show-stopping dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe during a hectic week when I needed something hearty and satisfying to feed a crowd. The first bite was love at first taste, and now it’s a go-to recipe whenever I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Let me show you how to make it your new favorite, too.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that truly lives up to its name. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is decadent, indulgent, and packed with flavor.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make, even on busy weeknights. Despite its impressive layers, it comes together in under an hour, making it both delicious and practical.

Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. With its cheesy goodness and savory sauce, this dish is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.

Another bonus? It’s perfect for meal prepping. Make it ahead, freeze it, or bake it fresh—this ziti is as versatile as it is tasty.

Finally, it’s a budget-friendly option that feels gourmet. Using pantry staples and affordable ingredients, you can feed a whole family (with leftovers!) without breaking the bank.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Million Dollar Baked Ziti is how simple yet impactful the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that rich, comforting flavor.

Ziti pasta is the star of this dish. Its sturdy, tubular shape holds the sauce and cheese perfectly. If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes.

Ground beef and Italian sausage create a robust, savory meat sauce. The combination adds depth of flavor, but you can use all beef or sausage if you prefer.

Marinara sauce ties everything together. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce for a personalized touch.

Ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream make up the “million-dollar” filling. This creamy trio adds richness and an irresistible velvety texture.

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese complete the dish. Mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty kick.

For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet, a 9x13-inch baking dish, and a pot for boiling pasta. Let’s get started on assembling this masterpiece.

How To Make This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Creating this layered delight is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Start by cooking your ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then stir in your favorite marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.

Next, mix up the creamy filling. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Now it’s time to assemble. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Add half the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the creamy filling, a layer of shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of cheese.

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving—it’ll be hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Storage Options

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a dream when it comes to leftovers and storage. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.

To refrigerate, store leftover ziti in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

For freezing, assemble the ziti but don’t bake it. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Reheated ziti tastes just as good as fresh, making it perfect for meal prep or those nights when you need a quick, comforting dinner.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are some ways to make it your own.

Swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Use a different pasta shape, like penne or rigatoni, if you don’t have ziti on hand.

For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat and load up on sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of cooked spinach or fresh basil between the pasta and cheese for a burst of color and flavor.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite cheeses—fontina or provolone would be amazing additions.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a recipe that’s easy to adapt, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whatever spin you put on it, one thing’s for sure—it’s going to be a hit!

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