Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Luxurious Layers: The creamy cheese filling and hearty meat sauce take this ziti to the next level, delivering irresistible, indulgent flavors.
• Comfort Food Classic: A warm, cheesy casserole that feels like a big hug in every bite, making it the perfect meal for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when needed for ultimate convenience and time-saving preparation.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, swap proteins, or experiment with different cheeses and spices to suit your preferences and tastes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a large family, serving at potlucks, or entertaining guests with a comforting, universally loved dish.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare and store it for a stress-free dinner option whenever you need it!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Assembly and Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Special Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for the meat sauce
• Mixing bowls for the cheese filling
• 9×13-inch baking dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Drain the pasta, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, egg, and garlic powder.
2. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer half of the cooked pasta evenly over the sauce.
4. Spread half of the cheese filling over the pasta, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheese filling, and meat sauce.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

Pasta

Ziti or penne are ideal for this recipe because their tubular shapes hold the sauce and cheese beautifully. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be substituted for dietary preferences.

Meat Sauce

Ground beef or Italian sausage provides a hearty base. The marinara sauce adds tanginess and richness. For a spicier version, opt for hot Italian sausage.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta gives the cheese filling a light, fluffy texture. Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for a similar effect.

Cream Cheese and Sour Cream

These ingredients create the signature “million-dollar” richness and creaminess. They balance the acidity of the tomato sauce and complement the pasta.

Mozzarella and Parmesan

Mozzarella melts into a gooey topping, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor. Use freshly grated cheeses for the best results.

Technique Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Layer Evenly: Spread the sauce and cheese layers evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
• Let It Rest: Allow the baked ziti to cool slightly before serving to help the layers set.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Ziti Cups: Use a muffin tin to create individual portions of baked ziti.
• Layered Ziti Lasagna: Layer the ingredients like a lasagna for a visually stunning dish.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the ziti mixture to stuff halved bell peppers, then bake for a fun twist.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
• For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese topping before baking.
• Prepare the ziti in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day, adding 10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option

Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant for a veggie-packed version.

Spicy Ziti

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for extra heat.

Four-Cheese Ziti

Include shredded Gouda or Fontina in the cheese filling for a more indulgent version.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing

• Assemble the baked ziti in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Swap the cream cheese and sour cream with Greek yogurt for added protein.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for more nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Serve alongside garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the sauce.
• Offer a dessert like tiramisu or cannoli to complete an Italian-inspired meal.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet for the meat sauce
• Mixing bowl for the cheese filling
• 9×13-inch baking dish

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini are great substitutes for ziti.

2. Can I skip the cream cheese?

The cream cheese adds creaminess, but you can use more ricotta or sour cream if preferred.

3. How do I make it less rich?

Reduce the amount of cream cheese or sour cream in the cheese filling for a lighter version.

4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but may not melt as smoothly due to added anti-caking agents. Freshly grated cheese is recommended.

5. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Cover the casserole with foil during the first half of baking to protect the cheese topping.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese substitutes and coconut or almond yogurt instead of sour cream.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use two baking dishes or a larger casserole dish to accommodate the increased quantity.

8. What wine pairs well with baked ziti?

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the rich flavors beautifully.