When it comes to comfort food, let’s be honest: nothing beats a hearty, gooey, bubbling dish of baked ziti. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, bringing back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. I still recall the countless evenings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, her apron dusted with flour, meticulously layering pasta and cheese while sharing stories that could keep us laughing for hours. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe is not just a meal; it’s a cherished memory in a casserole dish.
Why you’ll love this recipe
So why should you add this zesty wonder to your dinner repertoire? For starters, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser—rich, hearty, and drenched in a savory marinara sauce that dances on your taste buds. It combines the comforting familiarity of pasta with the luxury of creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella. This dish manages to strike that perfect balance between being indulgent and incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal choice for those chilly evenings or whenever you’re hosting a gathering of friends and family.
But here’s the kicker: it’s simple to make yet looks impressive. With layers upon layers of cheesy goodness, you can present it straight from the oven and watch jaws drop. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can swap in vegetables, different cheeses, or even a zesty twist with spicy sausage. When you serve this ziti, you’re not just feeding people; you’re creating an experience.
Key ingredients overview
To whip up this Million Dollar masterpiece, here’s a breakdown of the essential players in our culinary show:
Ziti Pasta (12 ounces): This tube-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto that saucy goodness. It’s great for layering and makes for a hearty bite.
Marinara Sauce (3 cups): A jar of well-seasoned marinara is your secret weapon here—choose one with basil and garlic for that burst of flavor!
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A splash of good olive oil is the foundation for sautéing aromatic vegetables and adds richness to the dish.
Onion (1 small, chopped) and Garlic (3 cloves, minced): These two create an aromatic base that infuses the entire dish with irresistible fragrance.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A pinch of this blend—think oregano, basil, and thyme—will elevate your sauce into something downright delightful.
Ricotta Cheese (15 ounces): Preferably whole milk for that lush creaminess! This cheese adds a rich layer that’ll melt together with the pasta and sauce beautifully.
Egg (1 large): This binds everything together and gives a wonderful silky texture to the ricotta mixture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, divided): Nutty and salty, this elevates the dish, particularly on top for that golden, crunchy finish.
Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): These are staples that enhance flavor and tie everything together.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, divided): The star of the show, providing that melted, gooey blanket of cheese we all crave!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (1 pound): Choose your protein! Both add a savory depth, but a veggie version with mushrooms or even spinach can also shine.
How this recipe comes together
Alright, let’s dive into the cooking process!
Start with the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Remember, it’ll continue cooking in the oven, so don’t let it get too soft! Drain and set aside.
Create the Base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they’re fragrant and the onions are translucent—oh, that smell!
Add the Meat: If you’re using ground beef or sausage, throw it in next. Break it up with your spatula as it cooks until it’s nicely browned.
Make It Saucy: Stir in your marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld those flavors. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Ricotta Mixture Time: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s all smooth and creamy—this is the magic that binds everything together.
Layer It Up: Grease your baking dish and start layering! Begin with half of the cooked ziti, then spread half of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle half the mozzarella, and pour half of the marinara sauce. Repeat these glorious layers and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. We’re aiming for cheesy perfection here!
Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes, until bubbling and beautifully golden. Let it cool for 5 minutes before digging in—you want to avoid burns!
How to serve it
Now that your kitchen smells heavenly and your baked ziti is a golden vision, it’s time to serve. A simple side salad with a tangy dressing pairs beautifully, countering the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, garlic bread made with a crusty baguette swiped with butter and herbs would complement this meal perfectly!
Feel free to sprinkle a little fresh basil on top before serving—just for that burst of color and fresh aroma. And hey, it’s a fun way to dress up the plate!
Storage and reheating tips
If you somehow have leftovers (which I seriously doubt will happen), here’s how to keep them fresh: let the ziti cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through—and a little extra bubbly wouldn’t hurt!
Planning to freeze? Go ahead! Double wrap the ziti in plastic wrap and foil before sticking it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy again, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Tips for a success recipe
Now, let’s chat about some tips:
Don’t Rush the Onions and Garlic: Sauté them until they’re nice and soft. This is where flavor starts!
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment! Swap mozzarella for provolone or mix in some gouda for a smoky twist.
Season to Taste: Always taste your sauce before layering. Add salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Make It Veggie: Swap the meat with more vegetables—think mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a lighter, hearty option.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try these fun variations:
Spicy Kick: A bit of red pepper flakes in the meat mixture can elevate the heat.
Different Proteins: Chicken or turkey sausage works beautifully for a leaner option.
Make it Green: Use a layer of spinach or kale in between the pasta and sauce for an extra veggie boost.
Herbed Oil Drizzle: Finish it off with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil before serving for an extra flavor punch.
Your questions answered
Can I make this in advance? Absolutely! Assemble the ziti, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the best type of marinara to use? Aim for a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade—it makes a world of difference in flavor!
Is this gluten-free? Swap the ziti with gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go.
How long is the prep time? Roughly 30-40 minutes, depending on your chopping skills.
Can I cut this recipe in half? For sure! Just use a smaller baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.
With all that in mind, you have everything you need to tackle this Million Dollar Baked Ziti. So gather your loved ones, pull out those big spoons, and dig into this cheesy delight—because nothing brings people together quite like a dash of comfort, a sprinkle of love, and layers of cheesy pasta. Happy cooking! Don’t forget to share your creations and tweaks; I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Description
Experience the heartwarming delight of Million Dollar Baked Ziti, layered with cheese and a rich marinara sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing.Key Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Preparation Steps
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.Do not overcook, as it will continue cooking in the oven.Create the Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.Wait for onions to become translucent.Add the Meat
Incorporate ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart while it cooks until browned.Ensure meat is fully cooked.Make the Sauce
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, simmer for a few minutes.This will meld the flavors beautifully.Prepare Ricotta Mixture
Combine ricotta, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.This binds the recipe together.Layer the Dish
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the marinara sauce. Repeat and finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.Aim for a cheesy perfection!Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 600 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.5 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 400 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 3 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
