Million Dollar Baked Ziti

why make this recipe

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleaser loved by many. It combines the joy of cheesy pasta with savory meat sauce, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings. The recipe is simple and requires common ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it is both hearty and comforting, bringing together flavors that everyone enjoys. With its rich taste and delightful texture, this dish is truly worth every penny.

how to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook ziti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until cooked through. Drain the fat, then add minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta with half of the mozzarella and some Parmesan until creamy.
6. In a greased baking dish, layer half the ziti, followed by the meat sauce and dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, top with the remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

how to serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti

To serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti, let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Cut it into portions, and you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a nice touch. It pairs well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

how to store Million Dollar Baked Ziti

If you have leftovers of Million Dollar Baked Ziti, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.

tips to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

• Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Feel free to substitute the meat with ground turkey or keep it meatless by using more vegetables.
• For extra creaminess, mix in some cream cheese with the ricotta cheese.
• You can also add some spinach or other veggies to the meat sauce for added nutrition.

variation

Try adding different types of cheese like provolone or fontina for a unique twist. You can also use different pasta shapes such as penne or rigatoni.

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the day before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade sauce will add a wonderful touch to your baked ziti.

What can I serve with baked ziti?
Baked ziti pairs well with garlic bread, salads, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting pasta dish, layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 1 lb ziti or penne pasta

Meat Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp dried basil
• salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the ziti or penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain well and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and chopped onion, cooking until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembly and Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
3. Repeat the layers: remaining pasta, remaining meat sauce, remaining ricotta mixture, and then the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra touch, you can add a layer of thinly sliced provolone cheese under the mozzarella. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking; add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.