When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the warmth and satisfaction of baked ziti. With its rich layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti elevates the classic recipe to a whole new level. Imagine the aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen while savory beef combines with marinara sauce; it’s a dish that brings the family together for a memorable meal. I’ve made this dish countless times, and each time, it garners rave reviews and second helpings. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply looking for a weeknight meal that pleases everyone, this baked ziti is always a hit.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table

What makes this Million Dollar Baked Ziti special? For starters, it’s not just a simple pasta dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together beautifully in a single baking dish. Here are a few reasons you’ll love making it:

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to delight your taste buds in no time.
Budget-Friendly: Using ingredients like pasta, ground meat, and cheese, this dish won’t break the bank. It’s an economical way to feed a crowd!
Crowd-Pleaser: Kid-approved and adult-friendly, everyone is sure to enjoy diving into a gooey, cheesy helping. Perfect for picky eaters!

“I made this recipe for a family gathering, and it disappeared in minutes! Everyone kept asking for the recipe.” – Satisfied home cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti is simple and rewarding. Here’s a brief overview of how it goes:

Cook the ziti until al dente.
Brown the ground meat and mix in the garlic and marinara.
Create a creamy cheese mixture with ricotta and part of the mozzarella.
Layer everything beautifully in a baking dish.
Bake to perfection, and enjoy the enticing aroma as your meal comes together.

This straightforward approach sets the stage for a deliciously satisfying experience.

Gather Your Ingredients

To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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Ziti Pasta: 12 oz
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: 1 lb
Marinara Sauce: 24 oz
Ricotta Cheese (Whole Milk): 15 oz
Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (shredded)
Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup
Italian Seasoning: 2 tsp
Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
Salt and Pepper: to taste

Feel free to substitute the ground meat with a vegetarian option or use different kinds of cheese based on your preferences.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Ziti: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the ziti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Garlic & Sauce: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta with half the shredded mozzarella and some grated Parmesan until creamy.
Layering Time: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti. Then add the meat sauce and dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, add the remaining mozzarella on top, and continue baking uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Best Way to Serve

For an impressive presentation, let your baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:

With a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the baked ziti perfectly.
Garlic Bread: Serve it alongside garlic bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips

Storing your Million Dollar Baked Ziti is easy and convenient:

Room Temperature: Leftovers can be kept at room temperature for no more than 2 hours after serving.
Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze baked ziti for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then foil before freezing.

When reheating, ensure the dish’s center reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Pro Chef Tips

Cheese Variations: Try mixing in different types of cheese like goat cheese for an extra flavor kick.
Add Veggies: Include vegetables like spinach or bell peppers in your meat sauce for added nutrition.
Extra Crust: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil on top before baking.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative! Here are some fun twists on the traditional recipe:

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce if you like some heat.
Pesto Ziti: Mix a spoonful of basil pesto into the ricotta for an herby punch.
Mexican Flair: Use chorizo and add salsa for a Mexican-inspired baked ziti.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti?
Preparation and cooking together take about an hour, making it a great weeknight meal.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Substitute the ziti with gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs.
How do I make it ahead of time?
Assemble the dish without baking and cover it tightly. Refrigerate it overnight and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to the table. Take the time to enjoy this delightful dish, knowing that you’re creating delicious memories along the way.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A comforting baked ziti dish with layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz Ziti Pasta
1 lb Ground Beef or Italian Sausage
24 oz Marinara Sauce
15 oz Ricotta Cheese (Whole Milk)
2 cups Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
3 cloves Garlic (minced)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Ziti: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the ziti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Garlic & Sauce: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta with half the shredded mozzarella and some grated Parmesan until creamy.
Layering Time: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti. Then add the meat sauce and dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, add the remaining mozzarella on top, and continue baking uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: baked ziti, comfort food, family meal