The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory marinara fills the air as you approach the kitchen, where the Million Dollar Baked Ziti is about to make its grand entrance. Picture this: layers of tender pasta intertwined with rich meat sauce and enveloped in gooey cheese—it’s a dish that promises to steal the show at any gathering.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?
- What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
- Can I freeze baked ziti leftovers?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now let me take you back to a Sunday dinner with my family. We gathered around the table, laughter echoing off the walls while we each dug into this comforting masterpiece. The ooohs and aaahs that followed each bite were enough to make any cook’s heart swell with joy. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti became our go-to dish for celebrations because who doesn’t love cheese?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is not only easy to whip up but also bursting with flavor
- It looks stunning when served straight from the oven, making it a showstopper at dinner parties
- Plus, leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day!
I remember my cousin’s eyes lighting up when I served this dish at her birthday party; it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ziti Pasta: Choose medium-sized ziti to hold onto all that luscious sauce perfectly.
- Ground Beef or Sausage: Opt for lean ground beef or Italian sausage for a savory kick and richness.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara for convenience and flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; look for whole milk ricotta for better texture.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for a good quality mozzarella that melts beautifully; it’s all about the cheese pull!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan elevates the flavor profile; avoid pre-grated versions if possible.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness; chop it finely for an aromatic touch.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic imparts a wonderful aroma and flavor; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every layer of flavor in your baked ziti.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil will help sauté your meat and add depth to your sauce.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your ziti bakes evenly and gets deliciously golden on top.
Sauté the Meat and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add ground meat and garlic until browned and fragrant.
Add Sauce Galore!: Stir in marinara sauce after draining excess fat from the skillet. Let it simmer on low heat while you prepare other layers.
Mix Cheesy Goodness: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with chopped basil, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan—mix well until creamy.
Layer It Up!: Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti followed by half of the ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese.
Add More Layers!: Repeat layering with remaining ingredients—meat sauce, ziti, ricotta mixture, and finish off with mozzarella. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
Bake Until Golden Brown!: Cover with foil (shiny side down) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil during last 10 minutes to achieve crispy perfection.
Serve hot from the oven; watch how everyone dives into this glorious Million Dollar Baked Ziti! The bubbling cheese will have them coming back for seconds (or thirds).
Make sure to let it cool slightly before slicing—it’s hard not to dig in right away!
Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
You Must Know
- The Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleaser packed with cheesy goodness
- It’s perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, and it can be prepped ahead of time
- The aroma while baking will make everyone forget about their diets!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat first, then cook the pasta while making the sauce for optimal timing. This ensures everything comes together hot and deliciously gooey.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to enhance flavor and nutrition. Customize it to suit your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly, ensuring that glorious cheese melts again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve creamy perfection, use whole milk ricotta; it makes all the difference
- Cook the pasta al dente since it continues to cook while baking
- Make sure you mix your ziti well with sauce for even flavor distribution
It was a family gathering when I first served this Million Dollar Baked Ziti, and everyone went back for seconds! The smiles on their faces made all the effort worthwhile—it became my go-to comfort food recipe.
FAQ
Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Use a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan for ultimate creaminess.
Can I freeze baked ziti leftovers?
Absolutely! Freeze in portions for easy reheating later on.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in this delightful Million Dollar Baked Ziti, a cheesy, comforting dish layered with pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese that’s perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- Ziti Pasta
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage
- Marinara Sauce
- Ricotta Cheese
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Basil
- Garlic Cloves
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté ground meat and minced garlic until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer on low.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with chopped basil, salt, pepper, and half the Parmesan until creamy.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, cooked ziti, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers finishing with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil (shiny side down) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (170g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
