Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, Million Dollar Baked Ziti is about to claim its rightful place at the very top of your favorites list. This ziti is outrageously creamy, delightfully cheesy, and laced with a rich, hearty meat sauce that melts into every nook and cranny of the pasta. It’s the kind of dish that brings big smiles to any dinner table, whether you’re serving family on a lazy Sunday or impressing guests at a potluck. Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleaser that tastes like a million bucks, and just wait until you see how simple it is to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Million Dollar Baked Ziti calls for a handful of kitchen staples that come together with big, bold flavor. Each ingredient has its own moment to shine, delivering creaminess, savoriness, and pure comfort in every bite.

• Ziti pasta: This tubular pasta lets all the creamy sauce and meat tuck inside for the perfect bite every time.
• Ground beef: Adds a hearty, rich layer and makes the sauce extra satisfying.
• Marinara sauce: The base that binds the flavors; look for a brand you love or use homemade for an extra special touch.
• Ricotta cheese: Brings creamy, mild richness that softens and lightens the cheesy center.
• Sour cream: The secret to an ultra-lush, almost velvety filling—don’t skip it!
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic, gooey blanket of cheese on top (and in the middle).
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a burst of salty, nutty depth to every forkful.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for irresistible aroma and flavor that lifts the whole dish.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and brown the beef to perfection.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for making every ingredient pop—taste as you go!
• Fresh basil (optional): Adds a bright, herbal finish that makes everything feel fresh and a little fancy.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick swipe with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil—this keeps everything from sticking, which means easy serving and even easier cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until it’s just al dente. The trick here is to keep the pasta a touch firm so it won’t get mushy during baking. Drain the ziti and set it aside—don’t forget to give it a gentle toss to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two until your kitchen is filled with that mouthwatering aroma. Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain off any excess fat, then pour in the marinara sauce. Let the sauce bubble together for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Mix the Cheeses

Grab a medium bowl and stir together ricotta cheese, sour cream, and one cup of mozzarella. This magical mixture is what gives Million Dollar Baked Ziti its ultra-rich, creamy center. It should look pillowy and spreadable—don’t be tempted to skimp on mixing, you want every scoop to be perfectly blended.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Time for the fun part! Spoon half the cooked ziti into the bottom of your baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Plop all of your cheese mixture onto the pasta and gently smooth it out. Top with the rest of the ziti, then pour the meat sauce over everything. Finish with a generous sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese—get ready for some serious cheese pull action.

Step 6: Bake

Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is irresistibly golden and bubbling. Let Million Dollar Baked Ziti rest for a few minutes before serving—this makes slicing and serving much easier (and keeps eager forks from burning!).

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Before serving, scatter fresh basil over the bubbling surface. The basil adds a fresh, fragrant touch and makes those cheesy layers look even more inviting. If basil isn’t your favorite, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Million Dollar Baked Ziti pairs beautifully with garlic bread for dunking and a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier spread, add roasted vegetables or a light soup to make things extra satisfying (and stretch the meal for a crowd!).

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the ziti into pretty ramekins for individual servings—absolutely adorable at dinner parties! Or, prep your Million Dollar Baked Ziti in advance and serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for the ultimate comfort food vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftovers, let the ziti cool fully before covering tightly with foil or transferring to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days—each slice stays remarkably delicious and reheats like a dream.

Freezing

You can freeze Million Dollar Baked Ziti either before baking or after. Wrap the dish well in plastic wrap and foil, label it, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For oven reheating, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until hot all the way through (about 20–30 minutes). For single servings, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to encourage even heating. Splash a little extra marinara over the top if it looks dry to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti is classic, penne or rigatoni work just as well. The main thing is to choose a sturdy tube-shaped pasta that will hold up to baking and trap all the cheesy sauce.

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Yes, just skip the ground beef and try sautéing mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead. Or use a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer. The flavors will still be rich and delicious!

What’s the best way to keep the cheese top golden and bubbly?

Uncover the ziti for the last 10–15 minutes of baking so the mozzarella and Parmesan can melt and brown. If you want a crispier top, you can use your broiler for a minute or two at the end—just watch closely!

Can I assemble Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the full dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if going straight from fridge to oven.

Do I have to use sour cream?

Sour cream gives Million Dollar Baked Ziti its irresistible creamy center, but you can swap in plain Greek yogurt or even softened cream cheese in a pinch. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it will still turn out delicious.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Million Dollar Baked Ziti, you’ll see why it’s earned its name—rich, cheesy, utterly crave-worthy. It’s perfect for making any gathering feel special, or just elevating an everyday weeknight dinner. Go ahead, give it a try, and get ready for a dish that always gets rave reviews!

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