If you’re a fan of cozy, hearty meals that make your taste buds dance, then you’re in for a treat with this Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe! This dish is truly the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, rich, flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy layer that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds. With a delicious balance of savory flavors and satisfying textures, this baked ziti is a surefire crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a comforting, homemade dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy you. Get ready to indulge in a cheesy, meaty masterpiece that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering dish to life. You’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients to make this million-dollar recipe truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta – This is the base of the dish, providing the perfect amount of texture to hold the sauce and cheese layers.
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage) – For a rich, savory flavor. You can use ground beef for a more neutral taste or Italian sausage for a bolder, spicier kick.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because no savory dish is complete without the fragrant punch of garlic.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes – The heart of the sauce, giving it a tangy, rich flavor.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese – Creamy and smooth, this cheese creates the perfect balance in the cheesy layers of the baked ziti.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella brings a gooey, melty quality that makes every bite of this dish irresistible.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the dish, rounding out the cheese trio.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs that gives the sauce that authentic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Season the sauce and balance the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Add just the right amount of seasoning without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – A little freshness and color to garnish the final dish and add a pop of flavor.
Directions for Making Million-Dollar Baked Ziti
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking! This recipe comes together in a few simple steps, each contributing to that unbeatable comfort food experience. Let’s walk through the process, step by step, so you can create this dish without a hitch!
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. This is a great time to multitask, so you can prepare the sauce while the pasta is cooking.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Cook the meat until it’s fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the meat is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.
Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together, creating that rich, savory base for your baked ziti.
3. Mix the Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This creamy cheese layer is what makes the ziti so indulgent and creamy, adding a decadent texture to each bite.
4. Assemble the Ziti
Once you’ve prepared the pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture, it’s time to assemble your baked ziti! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent the ziti from sticking.
Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This ensures that the pasta doesn’t stick to the dish and helps distribute the sauce evenly throughout the layers. Then, add half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, pasta, and cheese. Finish it off by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake the Ziti
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the ziti for about 20 minutes. This helps the dish cook evenly and keeps the moisture in. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
This final baking step ensures that the layers come together beautifully, with the cheese melted to perfection and the sauce fully absorbed into the pasta.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the ziti is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Now, your Million Dollar Baked Ziti is ready to enjoy! It’s perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side salad or a loaf of warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Nutritional Information
We know you’re curious about the nutritional details of this delicious comfort food. Here’s the breakdown for Million Dollar Baked Ziti:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
With a healthy serving of protein, carbs, and creamy goodness, this dish offers a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve alongside your Million Dollar Baked Ziti? Here are a few of our favorite pairing ideas to complete the meal:
- Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery side that’s perfect for dipping in the rich tomato sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A light, fresh salad with crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and a tangy dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are a great way to balance out the richness of the baked ziti.
- Green Beans or Broccoli: A simple, healthy green vegetable for a pop of color and crunch.
If you’re serving this for a crowd, it also makes an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time. Simply assemble the ziti, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can even freeze it for later, saving you time and effort on busy nights.
Variations and Customizations
Want to make this recipe your own? There are plenty of ways to customize Million Dollar Baked Ziti to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, swap out the ground beef or sausage for ground turkey or chicken. It’ll still be delicious but a little lighter.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce. This will add flavor, texture, and nutrients.
- Use Different Cheeses: While mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique twist.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat or stir in some chopped jalapeños for a bolder flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few tips to ensure your Million Dollar Baked Ziti turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the oven, it’s important to cook it al dente, or it could become mushy.
- Layering Too Much Cheese: While cheese is the star of the show, be sure to distribute it evenly. Too much cheese in one layer can cause the dish to become greasy.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Let the ziti rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to serve.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food dish that brings together everything you love about Italian-American cuisine: layers of ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and a decadent, cheesy filling. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, feeding your family, or simply indulging in a warm, comforting meal after a long day.
With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a special treat without being complicated. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for more!
And if you’re looking for other delicious recipes to try, check out these:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Creamy Soulmate Dish
- Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta: A Rich, Flavorful Comfort Dish
- Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage: Comforting & Creamy
So, what are you waiting for? Get your ziti, cheese, and ground beef ready, and enjoy this mouthwatering baked ziti tonight!
Print
Million Dollar Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Food Dish
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Million Dollar Baked Ziti. Layers of al dente pasta, savory ground beef (or sausage), and a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses make this dish a family favorite. Topped with fresh parsley and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a meal your loved ones will ask for again and again!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Mix the Cheese Layer:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. - Assemble the Ziti:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, ziti, and cheese mixture. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. - Bake:
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort food with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate meal!
Notes
- For a more robust flavor, substitute ground beef with Italian sausage.
- If you prefer a crunchy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes once the dish is fully baked, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover with foil and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Baked Ziti, baked ziti recipe, ultimate baked ziti, cheesy baked ziti, comfort food pasta, easy baked ziti recipe, Italian baked ziti, homemade ziti