Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti is comfort food at its finest. Loaded with layers of pasta, seasoned meat sauce, and a rich cheese blend, this baked casserole lives up to its luxurious name—without requiring any fancy ingredients. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or making ahead for a busy week.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Layered & Cheesy – Like lasagna, but easier and quicker to make.
Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves it, from picky kids to dinner guests.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it in advance, refrigerate, and bake later.
Freezer-Friendly – Great for meal prepping or sharing with friends.
Comforting & Filling – A full meal in one baked dish.

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
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp dried parsley or basil

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

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot
Skillet or sauté pan
Mixing bowls
9×13-inch baking dish
Whisk
Foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook ziti until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef or chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Layer

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

Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Ziti

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

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
4. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Use Al Dente Pasta – It won’t get mushy after baking.
Layer Like Lasagna – Cheese in the center keeps it rich and creamy.
Don’t Skip the Resting – It helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Try a Mix of Cheeses – Mozzarella, provolone, and fontina all work beautifully.
Add Veggies – Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be stirred into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – A perfect match for the saucy, cheesy pasta.
Caesar or Garden Salad – Adds freshness and crunch.
Roasted Vegetables – For a balanced and colorful plate.
Iced Tea or Lemonade – Refreshing drinks to balance the richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Wrap the assembled (unbaked) casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta?
   Yes—penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work great.
2. What’s the best meat for this dish?
   Ground beef, ground chicken, or turkey all work well.
3. Can I skip the sour cream?
   You can substitute with Greek yogurt or just use more ricotta.
4. Is this dish good for meal prep?
   Absolutely—assemble, refrigerate, and bake fresh when ready.

Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is everything you want in a baked pasta dish—rich, cheesy, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for guests, this hearty casserole delivers every time. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s called “million dollar.”

Make it once, and it’ll be a staple in your dinner rotation!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: American Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 490 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 580mg

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