Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Melt-in-your-mouth layers, tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and a golden, bubbling top—Million Dollar Baked Ziti truly lives up to its indulgent name. This beloved Italian-American classic isn’t just dinner, it’s an unforgettable experience that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re gathering friends for a cozy weeknight meal or wowing your family on Sunday, this dish brings comfort, warmth, and a “wow” factor to your table every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Million Dollar Baked Ziti is that it transforms everyday ingredients into a knockout main dish. Each element plays a key role in giving you that sumptuous combination of taste, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why you shouldn’t skip a single ingredient:

• Ziti Pasta: This short, tubular pasta soaks up all the cheesy sauce and holds onto every bit of flavor.
• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Choose one or do a mix for even more depth; sausage adds a herby kick, beef delivers hearty richness.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato base ties everything together—pick a good-quality jar or go homemade for extra freshness.
• Ricotta Cheese (Whole Milk): For that creamy, luxe filling, whole milk ricotta keeps the layers silky and rich.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Whole Milk): The essential cheese pull factor—go for whole milk for the most luscious melt.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds tangy, salty notes and helps brown the top to irresistible golden perfection.
• Italian Seasoning: Just a sprinkle gives that unmistakable aroma everyone associates with classic baked Italian dishes.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh, aromatic, and an absolute non-negotiable for building savory flavor in your sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Tastes are amplified, so don’t skip adjusting these to your liking before baking!

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a boil. Drop in the ziti pasta and let it cook until just al dente—about 8-10 minutes. This ensures your Million Dollar Baked Ziti has pasta that soaks up flavor without ever turning mushy. Be sure to drain and set the noodles aside once they’re done.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage. If you want the deepest flavor, don’t rush this step—get a bit of color on the meat! Drain any excess fat, add in the minced garlic, and cook for another minute until everything is beautifully fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour your marinara sauce over the cooked meat, along with the Italian seasoning. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes. This short simmer lets the flavors meld and thickens the sauce just enough to coat every bite of your Million Dollar Baked Ziti.

Step 4: Mix the Cheeses

In a medium bowl, combine all of the ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, and a handful of Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy—this will create irresistibly gooey, cheesy layers in your baked ziti.

Step 5: Layer Everything Up

Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer in half the cooked ziti, then top with half the meaty tomato sauce, followed by big dollops of your cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a lavish sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan—this is where that golden, bubbly top is born!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish snugly with foil and pop it into your preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 25 minutes to get everything melding and gooey. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling like crazy and the top is gloriously browned.

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Garnishes

For that final flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving—these bright green herbs cut through the richness and add a fresh, inviting look to your Million Dollar Baked Ziti. For extra flair, a little extra grated Parmesan never hurts!

Side Dishes

Pair your Million Dollar Baked Ziti with a crisp Caesar salad or simple greens tossed with a garlicky vinaigrette. Crusty garlic bread is practically mandatory for soaking up any cheesy, saucy goodness left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party, or serve straight from the baking dish for that homey, family-style feel. You can even set up a topping bar with extra herbs, chili flakes, or marinated olives for guests to customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Million Dollar Baked Ziti actually tastes even better the next day! Transfer cooled leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors have a chance to meld together, making it a delicious grab-and-go lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer superstar. Assemble the dish but stop before baking. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual for an effortless meal later on.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave until heated through or bake larger portions in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for about 20 minutes. If things look a little dry, add a splash of extra marinara sauce before heating.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work well if you don’t have ziti on hand. The most important thing is to use a sturdy shape that will hold up to baking and all that delicious sauce and cheese.

Is it possible to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply skip the meat or use meatless crumbles if you want to keep that hearty texture. Toss in spinach, roasted vegetables, or mushrooms to build flavor and substance.

Can I prepare Million Dollar Baked Ziti in advance?

Yes! Assemble everything up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for guests.

What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

While both feature noodles, sauce, and cheese, baked ziti uses short pasta and is typically easier to layer than traditional lasagna. The flavors are just as comforting, but Million Dollar Baked Ziti usually comes together a bit faster and with less fuss.

How can I make it extra cheesy?

If you want an extra cheesy, decadent topping, just add an additional layer of mozzarella and Parmesan over the last layer before baking uncovered. A few pats of butter dotted on top add even more richness and golden color.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with big smiles, Million Dollar Baked Ziti is unbeatable. It delivers every time—savory, cheesy, and out-of-this-world delicious. Give this recipe a spot in your lineup and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite!

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