Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

There’s just something magical about a bubbling dish of Million Dollar Baked Ziti coming out of the oven—the cheese is golden and melty, the savory sauce is fragrant, and every bite feels impossibly cozy. This is a tried-and-true classic, beloved for its ooey-gooey richness and the way it transforms everyday ingredients into the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating friends to a hearty dinner, Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the kind of recipe that earns applause and second helpings every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Million Dollar Baked Ziti is that it turns humble staples into something you’ll crave again and again. Every ingredient plays a special role, creating perfect layers of flavor, texture, and gooey deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Ziti pasta: Classic short tubes that hold on to the sauce, ensuring every forkful is hearty and satisfying.
• Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a savory, meaty base and makes each bite extra flavorful—pick your favorite or combine both!
• Marinara sauce: Rich, tangy tomato goodness that binds everything together; go with a quality jarred sauce or make your own for a personal touch.
• Ricotta cheese (whole milk): The secret to that “million dollar” creaminess in the middle layer—don’t skimp; whole milk is best for luxurious texture.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk): The all-important cheese pull! Mozzarella melts into stretchy, golden perfection atop your ziti.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and helps the cheese topping get gorgeously crisp in the oven.
• Italian seasoning: A handy blend of dried herbs that brings classic Italian flavor to each layer.
• Garlic (minced): Sautéed briefly with the meat for irresistible aroma and punch.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to taste. Adjust as you go for a perfectly balanced final result.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Boil the Ziti

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a big pot, fill it with salted water, and let it come to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente—about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t let it get mushy! Drain the pasta and set it aside; you’ll want those noodles slightly firm since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

While the pasta’s cooking, heat a large skillet on medium. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both for even more flavor!), breaking it up as it browns. Once it’s cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant—this step wakes up that meaty, garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour your marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat and garlic, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir, then let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and soak up all that garlicky, savory flavor—a crucial step that sets the stage for tasty layers later on.

Step 4: Mix the Cheeses

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta with half of your shredded mozzarella and a generous scoop of Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth; this blend is your “million dollar” secret ingredient. The mixture will melt into luscious pockets throughout your baked ziti, so make sure it’s well blended.

Step 5: Layer the Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Lightly grease a large baking dish, then add half the cooked ziti in an even layer on the bottom. Top with half the meat sauce, followed by big dollops of your ricotta cheese mixture. Gently spread it a bit, then repeat with the remaining ziti, sauce, and more dollops of ricotta mixture—you want those creamy bites in every serving. Finally, finish with the rest of your shredded mozzarella and sprinkle over another handful of Parmesan to form a melty, bubbly crown as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover your baking dish with foil (this helps lock in moisture and ensures a melty middle) and bake for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil, top with any remaining mozzarella, and return to the oven uncovered for another 15–20 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden top—the irresistible sign that your Million Dollar Baked Ziti is ready to eat.

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving not only looks beautiful but adds a welcome pop of freshness. For a final flourish, offer extra grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper at the table so everyone can customize their plate.

Side Dishes

Million Dollar Baked Ziti shines brightest alongside simple sides. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness, and garlic bread or warm focaccia is just perfect for scooping up extra sauce. If you want to dress it up, serve alongside roasted vegetables or marinated olives for a true Italian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring your Million Dollar Baked Ziti straight to the table right in the baking dish for cozy, family-style serving. For dinner parties, try spooning portions into individual ramekins for a personal touch. If you’re packing it up for a potluck or casual gathering, aluminum pans keep everything hot and transportable. Don’t forget: that cheese pull is Instagram-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got a few servings left? Lucky you. Let the ziti cool to room temperature, then cover the dish (or transfer slices to an airtight container) and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often intensify overnight, making leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti an even better lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This is one of those magical dishes that freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the Million Dollar Baked Ziti right up to the baking step, then cover tightly with both foil and plastic wrap. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding an extra 20–30 minutes to the baking time, or thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and pop it into a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20–30 minutes). Individual servings can be microwaved—just make sure they’re evenly heated. Add a splash of marinara if things look a bit dry, and always finish with a little extra cheese, if you have it!

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta if I don’t have ziti?

Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni are great substitutes—they’re sturdy and have a similar shape, so they’ll hold the sauce well and create those dreamy layered bites everyone loves in Million Dollar Baked Ziti.

What’s the best meat to use?

You can use ground beef for a classic, hearty flavor, or Italian sausage for a little extra spice. Mixing them together is a tasty twist! If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or a meatless crumble works too.

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Definitely—assemble it all the way up to baking, then cover and chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed (add a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge).

How can I make this vegetarian?

Just skip the meat! You can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to the marinara for a hearty, veggie-packed version of Million Dollar Baked Ziti that’s every bit as satisfying.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, and it’s the perfect dish for feeding a big group! Use a larger baking dish or divide between two pans. Increase each ingredient as needed and bake until everything is hot and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making it on a cozy weeknight or sharing it for a special occasion, Million Dollar Baked Ziti never disappoints. With its irresistible layers of melty cheese, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this is comfort food at its best. If you haven’t made it before, what are you waiting for? Dive in and enjoy every gooey, golden bite—you’ll want to make it again and again!

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