Ultimate Creamy Baked Ziti: A Million-Dollar Comfort Dish

Million Dollar Baked Ziti takes the classic comfort of baked pasta to a whole new level of indulgence. With layers of creamy ricotta, tangy sour cream, savory marinara, and melty mozzarella, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this rich and hearty meal will leave everyone craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The cheese layers add a luscious texture and flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this recipe approachable.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Boil ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in marinara sauce, simmer for 5 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Mix the Cheeses

• In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer half of the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish.
2. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
3. Add the remaining pasta, followed by the meat sauce.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

• Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute.
• Cheese Substitutions: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta or add gouda for extra flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the meat sauce.
• Pasta Alternatives: Use penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Assemble the dish (do not bake), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or even shells work well as substitutes for ziti.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the ziti and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.

3. Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil?

Covering with foil helps retain moisture and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly.

4. What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the layers for extra nutrition.

6. How do I prevent the ziti from drying out?

Make sure to add enough sauce and cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking.

7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture.

8. What type of marinara sauce is best?

Use a high-quality, flavorful marinara sauce or make your own for the best results.

9. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use two baking dishes. Perfect for large gatherings or freezing one for later.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Its layers of creamy, cheesy goodness paired with savory meat sauce make it a dish that’s impossible to resist. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this baked ziti is a must-try for pasta lovers everywhere!

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that elevates traditional baked pasta with layers of creamy ricotta, tangy sour cream, savory marinara, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, this irresistible dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready in under an hour, it’s as easy as it is delicious.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
   • Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix the Cheeses:
   In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth.
5. Assemble the Ziti:
   • Spread half the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish.
   • Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the pasta.
   • Add the remaining pasta and top with the meat sauce.
   • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

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Notes

• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
• This dish can be assembled in advance and baked when ready to serve.