Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With layers of ziti, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage. Drain excess fat, then add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and some of the grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half the meat sauce, then add dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, sauce, and cheese mixture.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped fresh basil or spinach to the cheese mixture.
• Use Italian sausage for a spicier kick, or substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and then bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Absolutely. Freeze the baked and cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.5 from 107 reviews

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty Italian-American dish featuring al dente ziti pasta layered with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese blend, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked to bubbly perfection, this classic casserole is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz ziti pasta

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Italian seasoning, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Mixture

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the ziti later.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until it is al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a brief moment until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
4. Mix the Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and some of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the blend becomes creamy and smooth, creating the rich cheese layer for the casserole.
5. Assemble the Baked Ziti: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Begin by layering half of the cooked ziti pasta on the bottom of the dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce evenly over the pasta layer. Then add dollops of the cheese mixture on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture to build the casserole.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
7. Bake Uncovered: After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
8. Serve: Once baked, let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set and enhance the flavors.

Notes

• Using Italian sausage instead of ground beef adds extra flavor but ground beef works just as well.
• You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if unavailable.
• For a creamier texture, add a beaten egg to the ricotta cheese mixture.
• Make sure to cover with foil initially to prevent the top cheese from burning before the inside is thoroughly heated.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian casserole, ziti pasta recipe, cheese baked pasta, comfort food