Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This million-dollar baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and a gooey mozzarella topping. The addition of sour cream adds an extra level of creaminess, making this dish extra indulgent. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this baked ziti is an easy and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ziti pasta
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Sour cream
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Eggs
- Garlic (minced)
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat (if using): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook ground beef or sausage until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Layer the Ziti: Spread half of the cooked ziti in the baking dish. Add half of the ricotta mixture, then half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Extra Creamy: Mix a little cream cheese into the ricotta mixture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Assemble the dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra cook time.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best pasta for baked ziti?
Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni also work well.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, but blend it first for a smoother texture.
How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?
Cover it with foil while baking to retain moisture, and don’t overcook.
What cheese melts best for baked ziti?
Mozzarella gives the best melt, but provolone or gouda can add extra flavor.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Try spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Do I have to use eggs in the ricotta mixture?
No, but eggs help bind the cheese mixture for a firmer texture.
How do I get a crispy cheese topping?
Broil the ziti for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden, bubbly crust.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Yes! Homemade marinara adds even more depth of flavor.
What can I serve with baked ziti?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Conclusion
Creamy and cheesy million-dollar baked ziti is the ultimate pasta comfort dish, packed with rich flavors and gooey cheese in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or freezing it for later, this easy-to-make meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try different variations, add your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a dish that feels like a million bucks!
Print
Creamy and Cheesy Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food! Layered with creamy ricotta, tangy sour cream, savory marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella, this baked pasta dish is rich, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage (if using) until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, egg, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Assemble the Ziti:
- Spread half of the cooked pasta in the baking dish.
- Dollop and spread the cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Add half of the sauce and spread evenly.
- Repeat with remaining pasta and sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or keep it meatless.
- Add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
