Creamy Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe: Homemade Italian Magic

Crafting a million dollar baked ziti promises pure culinary magic that will make your dinner table sparkle with excitement.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering pasta masterpiece.

Layers of rich cheese, hearty sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles create an irresistible symphony of flavors.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver extraordinary results.

Every bite promises a delightful explosion of Italian-inspired goodness.

Pasta enthusiasts will fall in love with this crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this incredible recipe that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience right in your kitchen.

Million Dollar Ziti – Reasons To Indulge Again

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This ziti recipe transforms complex Italian cuisine into an easy, one-pan wonder that lets home cooks create restaurant-quality meals without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with rich cheeses, hearty beef, and classic marinara, this dish guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra veggies, or experiment with different cheese blends to match your taste preferences and dietary needs without compromising the recipe's delicious core.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just a skillet, mixing bowl, and baking dish means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a satisfying, homemade meal that feels like a culinary victory.

Ingredients List For Million Dollar Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: A traditional Italian tube-shaped pasta that provides the hearty base for this comforting casserole.
• Ground Beef: Adds rich protein and savory flavor to the meat sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato-based sauce that brings depth and tanginess to the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese, Sour Cream, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a creamy, indulgent cheese layer that melts beautifully and adds luxurious texture to the ziti.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Egg: Enhance the overall flavor profile and help bind the cheese mixture together for a cohesive and well-seasoned dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing garlic and adds a subtle richness to the meat sauce.

Million Dollar Ziti – Steps For Success

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to get ready for some serious baking action.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil the ziti pasta until it reaches that dreamy al dente texture.

Once done, drain and set aside, giving it a quick toss to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Brown The Meat

Grab a large skillet and warm up some olive oil.

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Create Magical Meat Sauce

Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning into the skillet.

Let everything simmer and mingle for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance together.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Egg
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Merge Pasta And Meat

Gently fold the cooked ziti with half of the prepared meat sauce, creating a harmonious blend.

Step 7: Layer Like A Pro

• First layer: Half the ziti mixture
• Second layer: Cheese mixture
• Third layer: Remaining ziti
• Final layer: Rest of the meat sauce

Step 8: Add Cheesy Crown

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that screams deliciousness.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Allow the ziti to cool slightly before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Ziti Tips For Cheesy, Rich Perfection

• Cook ziti al dente to maintain a slight bite, preventing mushy texture in the final dish.
• Thoroughly drain ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole from becoming oily.
• Mix ricotta, sour cream, and egg thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy cheese layer that binds the dish together.
• Create distinct layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture for maximum flavor distribution and appealing presentation.
• Allow the ziti to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking, helping it set and making serving easier without falling apart.

Ziti Twists: Ideas For Bold New Flavors

• Vegetarian Ziti Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that's packed with flavor.
• Gluten-Free Ziti Option: Use gluten-free ziti pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Ziti: Add red pepper flakes, swap marinara for arrabbiata sauce, and mix in kalamata olives for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Ziti Swap: Substitute ziti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that's equally satisfying.

Million Dollar Ziti Presented With Style

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for a hearty weekend dinner with loved ones, this ziti brings everyone together around the table.
• Weekend Meal Prep Hero: Easily prepare ahead and reheat, making it a lifesaver for busy families needing quick, delicious meals.
• Italian-Inspired Side Companions: Pair with crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complete the comforting Mediterranean-style meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, meaty ziti with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the flavor profile.

Smart Storage For Million Dollar Ziti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the ziti completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled ziti to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place ziti in a baking dish, add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any similar tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or add more vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

• How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 15-20 minutes, then remove it to let the cheese brown nicely.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the ziti in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Million dollar baked ziti delivers pure Italian-American comfort, combining hearty pasta, rich cheeses, and savory meats in one irresistible casserole. Creamy layers and golden-brown edges promise a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 egg

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to create the perfect baking environment.
2. Prepare ziti pasta according to package directions until perfectly tender, then drain thoroughly.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté minced garlic until aromatic and golden.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until completely browned, then carefully drain excess fat.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the meat, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and allow to simmer for 5 minutes to develop rich flavors.
6. Create a creamy cheese mixture by whisking ricotta, sour cream, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
7. Gently fold the cooked ziti into half of the prepared meat sauce, ensuring even coating.
8. Grease a baking dish and begin layering: spread half the ziti-meat mixture as the first foundation.
9. Carefully spread the entire cheese mixture over the first ziti layer.
10. Add the remaining ziti-meat mixture as the next layer, then top with remaining meat sauce.
11. Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese across the top for a golden, melty finish.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns a beautiful golden brown.
13. Allow the ziti to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Opt for fresh garlic and herbs to enhance the depth of flavor in this comforting pasta dish.
• Choose high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content for richer taste and juicier texture.
• Consider swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg