If you are craving a hearty, soul-soothing pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe. This dish combines tender ziti pasta with a luscious blend of cheeses and a savory meat sauce that is bursting with Italian flavors. Every bite delivers creamy, cheesy goodness balanced perfectly by the robust tomato and meat mixture, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort food craving fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe uses a simple yet essential list of ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting its iconic flavor and texture. From tender pasta to a delectable blend of cheeses and hearty meat sauce, every element adds another layer of deliciousness to this classic baked dish.
- 1 pound ziti pasta: The perfect tubular pasta that holds sauce and cheese beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a savory, hearty foundation for the sauce.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Infuses the sauce with bold seasoning and depth.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and texture after sautéing.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives that wonderful punch of aroma and flavor.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: The tomato base packed with herbs and spices.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Enhances richness and helps create a smooth sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Blends in fragrant herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Creates a luxuriously creamy texture in the cheese mixture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and moistness to the cheesy layer.
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: Provides a mild, fluffy element that contrasts the meat.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts perfectly and gives that irresistible cheesy pull.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra savory finish.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh touch to the baked masterpiece.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This means it should be tender but still have a slight chew, which ensures the pasta doesn’t get mushy when baked. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside to cool slightly. This step is crucial since perfectly cooked pasta forms the backbone of this delicious dish.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for three to four minutes until softened and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic, followed by the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook everything together, breaking up the meat with your spoon until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat for a less greasy sauce. Next, add the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly, creating a rich and savory sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Layer
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Mix them until smooth and creamy. Then fold in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese to add that irresistible gooeyness inside your baked ziti. This creamy, cheesy mixture is what gives the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe its signature indulgent texture, creating a luxurious layer between the pasta and sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. This keeps the pasta from sticking and infuses every bite with flavor. Next, add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then dollop spoonfuls of the cheesy mixture over the pasta and gently spread it around. Top this with another generous layer of meat sauce, followed by the remaining pasta, and then cover it with the remaining meat sauce. This layering method ensures every forkful has the perfect balance of pasta, cheese, and sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes covered, which allows the flavors to meld and cheese to melt thoroughly. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. After baking, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets perfectly and is easier to dish out.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and a touch of herbal brightness that complements the rich cheesy flavors perfectly. If you want, a few red pepper flakes can be added for a subtle warming kick. Finishing touches like these elevate the presentation and enhance your overall dining experience.
Side Dishes
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads—think arugula with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad—to balance the richness of the baked ziti. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is also fantastic for soaking up every bit of that meaty, cheesy sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd or want to get creative, try dividing the baked ziti into individual ramekins topped with extra Parmesan for a charming presentation. You can also add a drizzle of truffle oil or sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a gourmet twist. No matter how you present it, this baked ziti will always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze this baked ziti before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, tightly covering it with foil, and storing it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it covered at 375°F until warmed through, then uncover to brown the cheese on top.
Reheating
Reheat leftover baked ziti in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout. Adding a little splash of water or sauce before reheating can help keep the pasta moist and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work beautifully as well because their ridges and hollow shapes catch the sauce and cheese just as well as ziti does.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground meat and sausage for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant or use plant-based meat alternatives to keep that rich, meaty texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the baked ziti the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust it?
The Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is mildly spiced with Italian seasoning and black pepper, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to increase the heat level to your liking.
What cheeses can I use if I don’t have ricotta or cream cheese?
Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta, providing a similar texture, and mascarpone can be used instead of cream cheese for an even creamier feel.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is truly a gem that belongs on every home cook’s roster. Its rich layers of cheesy goodness, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly baked pasta come together to make a dish that feels special yet so approachable. I promise, once you make it, it will become your family’s new favorite comfort food. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy every delightful bite of this unforgettable baked ziti!
Print
Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich and creamy Italian-American casserole that combines tender ziti pasta with a savory meat sauce made from ground beef and Italian sausage. Layered with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, and mozzarella, this baked pasta dish is finished with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a golden, bubbly topping. Perfectly comforting and crowd-pleasing, it’s an ideal meal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture and Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, ground beef, and Italian sausage, cooking until the meat is browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Mix until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce, then dollop and gently spread the cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by the remaining pasta. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top layer. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the surface.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes after coming out of the oven to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- For a spicier variation, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- This dish freezes well before baking; assemble the casserole and freeze, then bake directly from frozen, adding additional cooking time as needed.
