Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe: A Comforting Classic

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a cheesy, bubbling dish of baked ziti. Million Dollar Baked Ziti takes this classic comfort food to a whole new level! It’s perfect for gathering family and friends around the dinner table. Crafted with layers of flavors and textures, this dish is a wonderful option for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even casual gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called “Million Dollar” – it’s truly a stellar meal that doesn’t break the bank.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Million Dollar Baked Ziti isn’t just easy to prepare; it’s also filled with layers of rich flavors that make every bite feel indulgent. The creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and gooey cheeses meld together for a dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!

This recipe shines because it’s:

• Quick and Convenient: With under an hour of baking time, you can have a hearty meal ready without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients that are easy to find, this recipe won’t stretch your grocery budget.
• Kid-Approved: The cheesy, savory nature of baked ziti is always a hit with children, making dinner time a lot smoother.

“This baked ziti has become our go-to dish for family dinners! I love how easy it is to make and how everyone always comes back for seconds.” – Happy Home Cook

How This Recipe Comes Together

Preparing Million Dollar Baked Ziti is straightforward, and the steps are delightfully easy to follow. You’ll start by cooking the ziti and preparing the flavorful sauce before layering everything together in a baking dish. Here’s a breakdown to set your expectations:

1. Cook the Ziti: Begin by boiling your pasta until it’s al dente.
2. Sauté the Vegetables & Meat: In a skillet, simmer the onions, garlic, and meat until everything is browned.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Whip up a creamy blend of ricotta and seasonings for a luscious filling.
4. Layer and Bake: Assemble all your ingredients in a baking dish, layer by layer, and bake to perfection.

What You’ll Need

To make your Million Dollar Baked Ziti, gather the following ingredients:

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce (well-seasoned; store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Feel free to explore substitutions; for instance, swap the meat for mushrooms if you’re going vegetarian, or use low-fat cheeses for a lighter option.

Directions to Follow

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
4. If using, add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
6. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
7. Grease a baking dish. Begin layering: add half of the ziti, spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over it, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, and add half of the sauce. Repeat the layers.
8. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is best served hot from the oven, with its cheese still bubbling and slightly browned. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Pair with a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette contrasts beautifully with the richness of the ziti.
• Garlic Bread: Serve slices of warm, buttery garlic bread alongside to soak up every bit of marinara.
• Wine Pairing: Consider a nice Chianti or a crisp white wine to balance out the flavors.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Storage and reheating guidance is essential to enjoy your Million Dollar Baked Ziti later:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked ziti before or after baking. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are a few helpful cooking tips to make your Million Dollar Baked Ziti even better:

• Season Your Pasta Water Well: Don’t skimp on salt while seasoning the boiling water; it enhances the flavor of the pasta.
• Mix Cheeses: Combine different types of cheeses, like provolone or gouda, for a uniquely flavorful twist.
• Cook Meat Completely: Make sure any meat is thoroughly cooked before adding it into the bake to avoid any food safety concerns.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative! Here are some variations to try with your baked ziti:

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Swap out meat for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
• Herbal Infusions: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano mixed into the ricotta for an aromatic boost.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

From start to finish, expect to spend around 40 minutes preparing and 30 minutes baking, making this a perfect weeknight meal option.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge, or even freeze it before baking for later meals. Just take it out to thaw and bake as instructed.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just consider blending it for a smoother texture.

With this Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe, you’ll have a dish that’s comforting, delicious, and sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

A comforting and budget-friendly baked ziti layered with cheesy goodness, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the sauce

• 3 cups marinara sauce well-seasoned; store-bought or homemade
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

For the cheese mixture

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese preferably whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the pasta and toppings

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
4. If using, add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
6. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Assembly and Baking

1. Grease a baking dish. Begin layering: add half of the ziti, spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over it, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, and add half of the sauce. Repeat the layers.
2. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For variations, consider swapping ground meat for mushrooms for a vegetarian option, or use low-fat cheeses for a lighter dish. Best served with a side salad or garlic bread.