Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is rich, cheesy and very comforting. This dish feels special but is easy to make. It tastes like a restaurant meal at home.

Many families love this baked pasta for dinners and parties. Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe uses simple ingredients and basic steps. You do not need special skills.

If you want comfort food, this is perfect. Today, I will show How to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti easily. You will also learn the best Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti.

My Experience With This Recipe

I made this recipe for a family dinner first time. Everyone loved it instantly. The cheese layer was creamy and rich. The pasta stayed soft but not mushy. I liked how easy it was to prepare ahead.

It saved me time on busy days. Now, I cook it for holidays and guests. It always gets compliments. This dish truly feels like a million dollars.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• Spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients You Need for Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

• Ziti pasta – 16 ounces
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Ground beef – 1 pound
• Onion, chopped – 1 small
• Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
• Marinara sauce – 24 ounces
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
• Cream cheese, softened – 8 ounces
• Ricotta cheese – 1 cup
• Sour cream – ½ cup
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 2 cups
• Parmesan cheese, grated – ½ cup
• Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tablespoons

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Boil ziti in salted water. Cook until just tender. Drain well and set aside.

2. Prepare the meat sauce

Heat oil in a skillet. Add beef and onion. Cook until browned and fully cooked.

3. Add flavor to sauce

Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and cook one minute.

4. Add marinara sauce

Pour marinara sauce into skillet. Simmer for five minutes on low heat.

5. Make cheese mixture

Mix cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream and half mozzarella until smooth.

6. Preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a large baking dish lightly.

7. Layer the pasta

Spread half pasta in dish. Add half meat sauce evenly on top.

8. Add cheese layer

Spread all cheese mixture evenly. Make sure pasta is fully covered.

9. Finish layering

Add remaining pasta. Top with remaining meat sauce.

10. Add final cheese

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.

11. Bake the ziti

Cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

12. Brown the top

Remove foil. Bake 10 more minutes until cheese turns golden.

13. Rest and serve

Let ziti rest five minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Read More: Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe

Recipe Tips

• Cook pasta al dente to avoid soggy ziti.
• Use full-fat cheese for best taste.
• Let cream cheese soften for easy mixing.
• Make it ahead and bake later easily.
• Add red pepper flakes for mild heat.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Fat	26 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	6 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe hot from the oven. Add fresh parsley on top. A simple green salad works well.

Garlic bread also pairs nicely. This dish is filling and satisfying. It is perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Best Sides To Serve With

Garlic bread is a classic choice. Caesar salad adds freshness. Steamed broccoli balances the richness. Roasted vegetables taste great too. A light soup can complete the meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for four days. Freeze portions for up to two months.

Reheat in oven for best texture. Microwave works for quick meals. Add foil to prevent drying.

FAQs about Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything earlier. Cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready. Add few extra minutes.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken works well. It gives lighter taste. Cook fully before adding sauce.

What makes this recipe taste so rich?
The cream cheese and sour cream add richness. They create a smooth, creamy layer.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, skip meat. Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Use same cheese mixture.

How do I avoid dry baked ziti?
Do not overbake. Cover with foil first. Use enough sauce for moisture.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is comfort food at its best. It is creamy, cheesy and easy.

Anyone can make it at home. This guide showed How to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti step by step.

The Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti are simple and affordable. Try it once, and it will become a favorite. Enjoy every bite with your loved ones.