Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
If there were ever a showstopping pasta dish that lives up to its name, it’s Million Dollar Baked Ziti. Imagine fork-tender noodles enveloped in layers of luscious cheese, hearty meat sauce, and a golden, bubbling crown of mozzarella—everything melds into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or impressing a crowd at your next get-together, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into pure creamy, cheesy comfort. Get ready to indulge in some serious pasta bliss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly magical about Million Dollar Baked Ziti is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together for such rich flavor. Each component is crucial in creating layers of taste, texture, and gooey goodness you won’t want to miss.
- Ziti pasta: Short, sturdy tubes that hold all that luscious sauce and creamy cheese.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds savoriness and heartiness to the meat sauce; use a blend for extra flavor!
- Onion (diced): Sweet and mellow when sautéed, giving the sauce a foundational flavor boost.
- Garlic (minced): Adds warmth and depth that makes the sauce pop—don’t skip it!
- Marinara or pasta sauce (24 oz): The rich, tomatoey backbone of the dish; use your favorite brand or homemade.
- Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs to marry everything together.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for dialing up all the other flavors in the sauce and cheese layers.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it forms the base of that signature filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): The secret ingredient for that luxuriously smooth texture—trust me, it’s a game changer.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and extra richness to the cheese mixture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Gorgeous melt and stretch—what’s baked ziti without it?
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Nuttiness and savoriness for sharp, finishing oomph.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color that brightens up every serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Step 1: Prep Your Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti pasta just until al dente. You want them firm enough to hold up to all that sauce and cheese as they bake. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside—they’re ready for their starring role.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
In a big skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or sausage and diced onion, crumbling the meat as it browns. Once the onions are soft and the meat is cooked through, toss in the minced garlic for that last minute to let its fragrance bloom. Drain off any extra fat to keep your Million Dollar Baked Ziti perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in your favorite marinara or pasta sauce right over the browned meat and onion. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it all bubble lightly for about 5 minutes—this quick simmer brings everything together and infuses the meat with herby, tomato-rich flavor.
Step 4: Mix up the Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, softened cream cheese, sour cream, one cup of mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Beat it till smooth and creamy; you’ll be surprised how luscious this mixture gets. This layer is what sets Million Dollar Baked Ziti apart—it’s unbelievably rich and indulgent, just like the name promises!
Step 5: Layer Everything Up
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and layer in half of the cooked ziti, spreading it evenly. Dollop and gently spread the cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by half the savory meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining ziti, a final blanket of sauce, and finish with a generous shower of mozzarella and Parmesan. The layering gives each bite a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and creamy cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the cheese melt beautifully. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown—utter perfection. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before you serve so everything sets up for those glorious slices.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and a pop of color against all that gooey cheese. For a punchier finish, a bit more grated Parmesan on each plate never hurts. This little flourish makes your Million Dollar Baked Ziti look as inviting as it tastes!
Side Dishes
This dish absolutely shines with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar. A basket of warm, crusty garlic bread is basically mandatory to sop up that extra sauce. If you’re feeling extra, some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add a lovely contrasting bite to this rich, creamy entree.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, try baking Million Dollar Baked Ziti in individual ramekins for personal-sized portions—so fun and elegant! Or, use a deep oval baking dish for a dramatic, rustic presentation right in the center of the table. Don’t forget to set out a big spoon for that glorious cheese pull moment everyone secretly hopes for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers; it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if everyone’s fighting for the leftovers the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely, then cover it snugly with both plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it whole or cut it into individual servings. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your portion with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch—use a lower power setting to ensure even heating and prevent the cheeses from separating. Add a fresh sprinkle of mozzarella before reheating for an extra melty top!
FAQs
Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time to ensure it’s heated through and perfectly bubbly.
What’s a good substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese is a great stand-in—just drain it well first. For an even creamier option, try mascarpone. Both alternatives work beautifully and keep the cheese filling smooth and rich.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Definitely! While ziti is classic for its size and shape, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini will all do the trick. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply skip the meat and sauté extra veggies—think mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini—in place of the ground beef or sausage. You’ll still get all the creaminess and comforting flavors of Million Dollar Baked Ziti without the meat.
Is Million Dollar Baked Ziti spicy?
No, this version is deliciously family-friendly and not spicy at all. If you’d like to add some heat, toss a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce or use hot Italian sausage. You’re in control of the spice level!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a bubbling, golden dish of Million Dollar Baked Ziti out of the oven and sharing it with your favorite people. Why not bring a little extra joy to your table tonight? Dive in, get cheesy, and let every bite remind you: comfort food is truly a little piece of happiness.
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the richness of this Million Dollar Baked Ziti, a decadent and comforting pasta dish that combines layers of ziti, creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and a perfectly baked golden crust. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta: Cook ziti pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce: Brown ground beef with onion, garlic, and seasonings. Add marinara sauce, simmer, then set aside.
- Mix cheeses: Combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, and half of Parmesan until smooth.
- Layer: In a baking dish, layer ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest before serving, garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use a blend of sausage and beef for extra flavor.
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking—adjust bake time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
