On chilly evenings or lively family gatherings, few dishes deliver the pure comfort that Million Dollar Baked Ziti brings. This creamy, flavorful baked ziti layers al dente pasta, rich marinara, and a trio of cheeses, creating a comforting dish that's sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Cozy up with this cheesy and hearty Million Dollar Baked Ziti, the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your dinner table! It’s like wrapping your loved ones in a blanket of gooey mozzarella and tangy Parmesan—every forkful feels like a celebration.
I've been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to earn compliments from picky eaters and pasta enthusiasts alike. The process is delightfully simple (perfect for anyone at a beginner difficulty level), yet the result looks and tastes like something straight out of a restaurant kitchen. With a total preparation time of just 30 minutes plus a quick bake, you’ll have this gorgeous dish on the table in under an hour. Whether you’re hosting a busy weeknight supper or feeding a hearty crowd on the weekend, this baked ziti is a true lifesaver.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN MILLION DOLLAR BAKED ZITI
Before diving into the layering and baking process, it’s important to understand the key components that give this dish its millionaire status. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness, coming together in a symphony of cheesy, savory goodness.
- Ziti pasta
The tubular shape holds onto sauce and cheese in every nook, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Its sturdy texture stands up beautifully to baking without becoming soggy.
- Olive oil
A simple way to soften onions and garlic, olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness and helps prevent sticking while sautéing your meat and aromatics.
- Ground beef or sausage
Provides a hearty, meaty foundation. Choose sausage for extra spice or beef for a classic, rich flavor. Browning it properly develops deep, savory notes.
- Small onion
Finely chopped and gently cooked until translucent, the onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
- Garlic
Minced and added at just the right moment, garlic infuses the sauce with pungent warmth and aromatic intensity.
- Dried oregano and dried basil
These classic Italian herbs create a fragrant, slightly peppery backdrop that ties the meat, sauce, and cheese together.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of every other ingredient. Adjust to taste for perfect balance.
- Marinara sauce
A robust, tomato-based sauce that brings acidity and sweetness. This jarred shortcut saves time but still provides authentic Italian flavor.
- Ricotta cheese
Creamy and mild, ricotta adds softness to the cheese layer, creating an indulgent, velvety texture between pasta and sauce.
- Sour cream
Adds a tangy kick and lightens the richness of the ricotta and cream cheese blend, keeping the filling luxuriously smooth.
- Cream cheese
When softened and mixed into the cheese layer, cream cheese gives extra creaminess and stability, holding the layers together.
- Mozzarella cheese
Melts into gooey, stringy perfection, forming that satisfyingly stretchy top layer everyone swoons over.
- Parmesan cheese
A final sprinkle creates a golden, slightly crisp crust with nutty, salty notes that elevate the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley
Brightens the finished plate with a splash of color and fresh herbal flavor, cutting through the cheese’s richness.
HOW TO MAKE MILLION DOLLAR BAKED ZITI
Bringing all these ingredients together is straightforward, yet every step builds on the last to create something truly special. Follow these detailed instructions to assemble your Million Dollar Baked Ziti for maximum flavor and presentation.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a thin layer of olive oil or nonstick spray, ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside, so the pasta absorbs the rich cheese sauce instead of watering it down.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, using a spatula to break the meat into small, even pieces for consistent flavor in every bite.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the herbs release their oils.
5. Pour in the marinara sauce and use a spoon to scrape any browned bits from the pan bottom. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it bubble lightly for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavors. Remove from heat.
6. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in texture, with no lumps.
7. Spoon half of the cooked ziti into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Dollop half of the cheese mixture on top and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Pour half of the meat sauce over the cheese and sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella.
8. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the top with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese for a beautifully golden crust.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This brief cooling helps the layers set beautifully. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MILLION DOLLAR BAKED ZITI
Once your Million Dollar Baked Ziti emerges golden and bubbling, it’s time to turn dinner into an event. This section offers ideas to make every serving feel like a special occasion, whether you’re feeding a weeknight crowd or impressing guests.
- Add a side of crispy garlic bread toasted under the broiler until the edges are perfectly charred. Butter it generously and rub with a cut clove of garlic for that irresistible flavor clash with the gooey ziti.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of lemon juice or red wine vinegar cuts through the cheese’s richness, while fresh greens provide a refreshing crunch.
- Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle torn basil leaves over individual portions. This simple finishing touch elevates the dish from homey to restaurant-quality with little effort.
- Offer a bowl of crushed red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan for guests to customize their plates. The spicy kick and extra cheese let everyone tailor each bite to their liking.
HOW TO STORE MILLION DOLLAR BAKED ZITI
Storing leftovers or preparing ahead of time can be a game-changer for busy schedules. This section covers everything you need to keep your baked ziti tasting fresh, whether you’re refrigerating for a few days or freezing for later enjoyment.
- Refrigerator Storage
Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the coldest part of your fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the covered dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Freezer Storage
Assemble the unbaked ziti in a freezer-safe container or disposable aluminum pan. Cover with a double layer of foil and a layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Airtight Containers
Transfer cooled leftovers into individual airtight containers for grab-and-go meals. Label and date each container, and store in the fridge or freezer based on how quickly you plan to eat them.
- Pre-Bake Prep
Mix and layer the ziti a day ahead but don’t bake it. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes if the pasta is cold. This makes dinner prep stress-free.
CONCLUSION
We’ve taken a flavorful journey through every layer of Million Dollar Baked Ziti, from the comforting embrace of al dente noodles to the melty peaks of mozzarella and Parmesan. This creamy, hearty dish truly lives up to its name, delivering a rich combination of textures and tastes that are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy date nights at home. With a beginner-friendly difficulty level, 30 minutes of prep time, and another 30 minutes in the oven, you can transform simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a million dollars. The total resting time of about 10 minutes allows the layers to set beautifully, ensuring each slice holds together for unforgettable bites.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later—it’s your go-to guide whenever you need a surefire crowd-pleaser. And don’t forget, you’ll find a FAQ below that answers common questions on substitutions, reheating tricks, and more. I’d love to hear how your baked ziti turns out! If you have any comments, questions, or just want to share your favorite twist on this recipe, please leave feedback. Your stories and tips help our cooking community grow, and I’m always here to help if you need a hand in the kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy, comforting bite!
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Description
This creamy, flavorful baked ziti layers al dente pasta, rich marinara, and a trio of cheeses, creating a comforting dish that's sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
-
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
-
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese until well combined and smooth.
-
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta in an even layer. Pour half of the meat sauce over the cheese layer and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
-
Repeat the layering with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Finally, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
-
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
-
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- For a spicier version, use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- You can prepare the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it, just bake it a little longer when ready to enjoy.
- This dish can be frozen before baking; just thaw completely before the cooking process.
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
