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)

ByVictor Layne October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

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Introduction

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This hearty dish combines tender ziti, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese mixture, all topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s simple to prepare yet full of rich flavors that 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). 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, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 5: Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
Step 7: Layer half of the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
Step 8: Add the remaining pasta on top, then spread the meat sauce over it.
Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese 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

Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra veggies.
For a richer dish, swap sour cream with heavy cream or add an extra half cup of ricotta.
Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven helps retain the creamy texture better.

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 make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.