Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is an indulgent and flavorful pasta dish that takes classic baked ziti to the next level. Packed with a creamy ricotta and sour cream blend, savory Italian sausage (or beef), marinara sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish is truly a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage or ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta. Top with half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the ricotta-sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it for a little longer when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian