Dinner

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Name: Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

ByLily Cross October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

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Introduction

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting and cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This hearty dish combines tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese layers for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

A white square baking dish filled with baked pasta, showing several layers: at the bottom is a rich, chunky meat sauce in brown, topped by a layer of rolled tubular pasta in golden orange, scattered with more meat sauce. The top layer is covered with melted, browned cheese, bubbly and slightly crispy, with green herb bits sprinkled on top. The dish is placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 5: Stir in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 6: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
Step 7: Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cheese mixture over the pasta.
Step 8: Add the remaining pasta on top of the cheese layer, then spread the meat sauce over the pasta.
Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
Step 10: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 11: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while it simmers.
Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different twist.
Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce calories without sacrificing meltiness.
Make this dish vegetarian by replacing the meat with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked pasta dish in a white square casserole dish. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is made of cooked ground meat with a reddish-brown color and a crumbly texture; the middle layer consists of short tube-shaped pasta coated in a rich red tomato sauce; the top layer is covered by melted, bubbly mozzarella cheese browned in spots, with small green parsley leaves sprinkled over it. The casserole dish sits on a wooden board with part of a dark cloth nearby, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Absolutely. Freeze the fully assembled dish before baking in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen by adding about 20 extra minutes to the baking time and keeping it covered initially.