Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

There's something magical about a bubbling dish of Million Dollar Baked Ziti fresh from the oven. With its layers of tender pasta, creamy cheese filling, savory meat sauce, and golden, melty mozzarella, this dish feels like pure indulgence in every bite.

I first discovered this recipe when hosting a potluck for friends, and it quickly became the star of the evening. The combination of simple, affordable ingredients creates a dish that tastes like it came straight from a high-end Italian restaurant. It’s now a family favorite, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is truly worth a million bucks.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Prepare to fall in love with the perfect comfort food. Million Dollar Baked Ziti combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and a simplicity that makes it an instant classic.

First, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone from kids to adults will rave about the cheesy goodness and hearty sauce. It’s the kind of dish that always gets second helpings.

Second, it’s easy to make ahead. Whether you’re prepping for a party or a busy weeknight, this baked ziti can be assembled in advance and popped in the oven when you’re ready.

You’ll also appreciate its versatility. You can swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs, and it still turns out fabulous every time.

Finally, the leftovers are heavenly. If you’re lucky enough to have any, they reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

Now, let’s look at the ingredients that make this dish so unforgettable.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Baked Ziti comes from a few key components that work together to create layers of flavor and texture.

• Ziti Pasta: The foundation of this dish. Ziti is ideal because its tubular shape holds the sauce perfectly, but penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy, slightly tangy cheese forms the heart of the dish. It pairs beautifully with the other cheeses and creates a luscious filling.
• Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: A mix of these two meats gives the sauce a rich, savory depth. You can use all beef or all sausage if you prefer.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara or a homemade version. The sauce ties all the components together, so pick one with a flavor you love.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella brings melty goodness, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty kick. Together, they create the ultimate cheesy topping.
• Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: This is the “million-dollar” secret! It adds a velvety texture and a touch of tanginess that elevates the dish.

You’ll also need a large baking dish and some aluminum foil for easy cooking and cleanup.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Creating this indulgent dish is simpler than it looks. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a baked ziti that’s sure to impress.

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the ziti to al dente. Drain and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make the meat sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them into crumbles. Once cooked, drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to develop the flavors.
3. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream (or cream cheese), a cup of mozzarella, and a half-cup of grated Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Layer the dish: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Add half the cooked pasta, then spread half the cheese mixture over it. Top with more sauce, then repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
5. Bake to perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Let it rest: Allow the baked ziti to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 50 minutes, with 10 minutes of hands-on prep time.

Storage Options

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a fantastic make-ahead and leftover-friendly dish. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover ziti in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the ziti in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven gives the best results.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ways to customize it:

• Vegetarian: Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your marinara sauce for hidden gluten.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
• Low-Carb: Replace the pasta with roasted spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in some shredded provolone or Gruyère for an extra cheesy twist.

No matter how you tweak it, this recipe is guaranteed to delight.

Ready to experience the million-dollar magic? Make this Million Dollar Baked Ziti for your next dinner, and watch it disappear from the table in no time. It’s a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to every meal. 🧀🍝

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