Ah, baked ziti—the quintessential comfort food that warms the soul and tantalizes your taste buds. It’s like a big, cheesy hug in a baking dish! This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a family favorite of mine—trust me, it’s never failed to impress. I remember the first time I made it for a dinner party; my friends devoured it, leaving zero leftovers, not even a crumb.
Why you’ll love this recipe
So, why this baked ziti over any other dish? Picture this: tender pasta swathed in a rich marinara sauce, luscious layers of creamy ricotta, and that golden, melty mozzarella, all bubbling away in the oven. It’s the kind of dish that just screams "home" and makes every gathering feel special. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive celebration, it’s sure to steal the spotlight—and your heart.
Not to mention, it’s as comforting as a warm blanket on a chilly day. This baked ziti is forgiving, allowing you to tweak it to your taste. Swap in spicy Italian sausage for a little kick, or go meatless with veggies—a little creativity goes a long way! It’s perfect for meal prep, freezing, or simply enjoying all week long. Seriously, who wouldn’t want a slice of that?
Gather these ingredients
Let’s break things down into the essential components you’ll need to whip up this masterpiece:
-
Ziti Pasta (12 oz): The heart of our dish; its tubular shape holds onto the sauce like a champ. You could swap it for penne or rigatoni if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
-
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (1 lb): This little protein powerhouse adds robust flavor. Feel free to pick a lean ground turkey if you’re chasing a lighter option.
-
Marinara Sauce (24 oz): Go for your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous! It adds the much-needed tomato goodness.
-
Ricotta Cheese (15 oz): The creamy glue that binds it all together. Whole milk ricotta gives a dreamy richness; you could try cottage cheese as a lighter alternative.
-
Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Provides that gooey, melted goodness we all love. Use whole milk for ultimate creaminess—as if there could be any other way!
-
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): For that salty, nutty finish sprinkled atop the layers. It’s like a cherry on top; you wouldn’t skip it!
-
Italian Seasoning (2 tsp): A perfect blend of flavors that screams “Italian.” This is where the magic happens!
-
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The aromatic superstar that elevates the flavor profile. Fresh is best, but jarred is okay in a pinch!
-
Salt and Pepper: Just season to taste, my friend. A little goes a long way.
Preparing Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Now, let’s put this all together. Are you ready? Here’s how to bring it to life, step by step.
-
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the sweet spot for baking.
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the ziti until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes. You want it firm because it’ll soak up some sauce later. Drain and set aside.
-
In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or sausage until it’s cooked through. Drain any excess fat—nobody needs that extra grease! Add the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant; about 30 seconds will do the trick.
-
Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes—this is where those flavors marry together blissfully.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and some of that delightful Parmesan until it’s creamy like a dream.
-
Time to assemble! In a greased baking dish, layer half the ziti on the bottom. Smother it with half the meat sauce, then dollops of that dreamy cheese mixture. Repeat the layers—you want to make it as pretty as a painting.
-
Cover it with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle on the rest of the mozzarella, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until it’s bubbling and irresistible.
Best way to enjoy it
When it’s finally done, allow it to cool for a few minutes—it’s like waking up from a cozy nap! Serve this baked ziti with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread for that perfect Italian feast vibe. You could also sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for color and freshness. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with a glass of red wine; it really elevates the experience!
How to store and freeze
Now, let’s talk about leftovers—if there are any! This baked ziti stores beautifully! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-5 days.
Want to freeze some? Absolutely! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap in foil and pop it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, either bake directly from frozen (just cover it to avoid burning) or heat in the microwave until bubbling. Just remember to eat it within 3 months for the best flavor.
Pro chef tips
Here’s where I share my secret sauce—well, cooking tips. First, don’t skip toasting those spices in your skillet; it brings out their flavor magnificently. Mixing the ricotta with your mozzarella before layering? Total game-changer, trust me! Also, if you’re making this for a large crowd, double the recipe. You can never have too much ziti!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Spice it up! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra veggies. Swap out the meat for diced chicken or a plant-based protein for a lighter meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses—gorgonzola, anyone? The world is your oyster, and this peachy ziti is your canvas!
Your questions answered
- What’s the prep time? About 15 minutes, but worth every second!
- Can I make it ahead of time? Totally! Assemble and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- What goes well with baked ziti? A fresh green salad and garlic bread make the perfect trio.
- Is it suitable for freezing? Yes, absolutely! It freezes beautifully.
- Can I make it without meat? Of course! Just load up on the veggies.
Oh, it’s time you stepped into your kitchen and brought this Million Dollar Baked Ziti to life! The heavenly aroma, the bubbling cheese, the happy faces at the dinner table—all worth it! Dive in, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your adventures. You’re not just a cook; you’re part of a loving culinary community!
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Layers of ziti, marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella create a mouthwatering meal that can be customized to suit any palate.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
-
Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. -
Brown the meat
In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage until cooked through. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. -
Add sauce and seasoning
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. -
Mix cheese
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and some Parmesan until creamy. -
Assemble the dish
Layer half the ziti in a greased baking dish, smother with half the meat sauce, and dollops of cheese mixture. Repeat layers. -
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 300mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 20g40%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 250 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Phosphorus 300 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.
