This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is an incredibly rich, cheesy, and satisfying pasta bake that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a gourmet experience made delightfully easy and budget-friendly right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe is your ticket to an easy, yet undeniably delicious and satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its creamy, cheesy layers and rich tomato sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal fuss. The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a showstopper for gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven and cook the pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set aside.
Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the skillet with the meat and onions. Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Assemble the baked ziti: In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti pasta with about two-thirds of the meat sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Layer the pasta and cheese: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
Repeat the layers: Add the remaining pasta mixture over the first layer. Dollop the remaining ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it out. Top generously with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake the ziti: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
Rest before serving: Let the Million Dollar Baked Ziti rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti
You’ll absolutely adore this Million Dollar Baked Ziti for its incredibly decadent, cheesy, and comforting embrace in every single bite. What makes it truly shine is its luxurious combination of creamy ricotta, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden perfection – it’s a step up from your average weeknight pasta bake. The absolute best part is how incredibly budget-friendly it is to recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home, saving you significant money without compromising on flavor, making it a truly rewarding culinary project.
Forget those expensive restaurant versions; this homemade Million Dollar Baked Ziti delivers pure bliss without emptying your wallet, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean costly. The melty mozzarella, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta create a symphony of flavors that will have your family singing your praises, so don’t wait – bring this delightful dish to your table tonight and experience the magic for yourself!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of your delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked ziti. Allow it to cool completely before tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen baked ziti will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, if refrigerated, you can either microwave individual portions until heated through or place a slice in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly. For frozen baked ziti, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the oven method. If reheating from frozen, you may need to increase the baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a true testament to comforting, flavorful, and satisfying home cooking that’s achievable for everyone. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover a new favorite that’s made with love and designed to impress.
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set aside.1 pound Ziti pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.1 pound Lean ground beef or Italian sausage, 1 Large onion, finely chopped, 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the skillet with the meat and onions. Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.1 28 ounce can Crushed tomatoes, 1 15 ounce can Tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons Tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Dried basil, 1 teaspoon Dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.15 ounces Ricotta cheese, 1 Large egg, lightly beaten, 1/4 cup Chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti pasta with about two-thirds of the meat sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.1 pound Ziti pasta, 8 ounces Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.15 ounces Ricotta cheese, 8 ounces Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Add the remaining pasta mixture over the first layer. Dollop the remaining ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it out. Top generously with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese, 8 ounces Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Let the Million Dollar Baked Ziti rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.