Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty casserole combines layers of tender ziti pasta, creamy cheese, and a savory meat sauce baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly topping. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this recipe lives up to its name by delivering indulgent, rich flavors that feel luxurious but are easy to achieve. With its irresistible combination of textures and tastes, this baked ziti will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Layers: The addition of cream cheese or ricotta in the middle layer gives the dish a creamy, luscious texture that sets it apart from traditional baked ziti recipes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight family meal, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and reheats beautifully.
• Customizable: From the choice of meat to the type of cheese, this recipe can be easily tailored to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need fancy ingredients to create a dish that tastes like a million bucks. Common pantry staples come together to create a dish bursting with flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this dish in advance and bake it when needed for an easy, stress-free dinner solution.

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Ingredients

• Ziti pasta
• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Marinara sauce
• Cream cheese, ricotta, or cottage cheese
• Sour cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

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Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until just shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour in the marinara sauce, reduce the heat, and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.

4. Make the Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta (or cottage cheese). Add a beaten egg, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined.

5. Assemble the Baked Ziti

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.
• Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
• Layer with half of the remaining meat sauce.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.

6. Add the Topping

Sprinkle the top layer with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

8. Rest and Serve

Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

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Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty meatless version.
• Different Pasta Shapes: While ziti is classic, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or even rotini.
• Alternative Proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute to suit your preferences.
• Extra Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrots, or roasted eggplant to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spicier Version: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.

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Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8–10

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Storage/Reheating

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, covered with a microwave-safe lid.
• Oven: Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked ziti for up to 3 months. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and then cover with aluminum foil. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 20–30 minutes to the cooking time.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready.

2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Choose a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.

3. Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?

Yes, ricotta or cottage cheese works well as a substitute for cream cheese.

4. How do I prevent the ziti from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking while baking.

5. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free pasta can be used without issue. Be sure to cook it slightly under the recommended time to avoid overcooking.

6. What cheeses work best for this recipe?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, and cream cheese are ideal. You can also use provolone or fontina for added flavor.

7. Can I skip the egg in the cheese mixture?

Yes, but the egg helps bind the cheese mixture, giving it a creamier texture.

8. Is it okay to leave out the meat?

Of course! A vegetarian baked ziti is equally delicious with extra vegetables or plant-based proteins.

9. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking, then remove it to allow the cheese to brown.

10. What side dishes pair well with baked ziti?

Garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.

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Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a showstopping dish that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. With its creamy layers, savory sauce, and melty cheese topping, every bite feels indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a make-ahead meal, this recipe offers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your home.

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