Go Back
+ servings
Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Million Dollar Baked Ziti: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

Discover the rich and creamy Million Dollar Baked Ziti, a comforting dish perfect for any gathering or family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Ziti Pasta Any pasta shape can substitute if ziti isn’t on hand.
For the Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Feel free to swap in Italian sausage or ground turkey for a twist.
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce Opt for a quality store-bought or homemade recipe for best results.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh is ideal, but garlic powder can step in when needed.
For the Creamy Mixture
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese is a lighter alternative if desired.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Consider Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Provolone can be used for a deeper flavor.
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano is a fine substitute.
For Assembly
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Any cooking oil can work, but olive oil offers extra flavor depth.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust to your own taste preference.
  • optional Fresh Basil Adds a pop of freshness right before serving.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, then add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until creamy, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the cheese mixture, and half of the meat sauce in the prepared dish. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Allow baked ziti to rest after baking to set layers for easy serving. Experiment with cheese combinations to customize flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!