Million Dollar Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

When the craving for comfort food strikes, it’s hard to top a hearty dish of baked ziti. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe elevates a classic favorite with layers of creamy ricotta, savory meat, and a crispy cheese topping that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in, and once you experience the cheesy, comforting goodness of this dish, you’ll understand why it’s worth making.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This baked ziti isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a meal that brings people together. Loaded with rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s not only budget-friendly but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just want to delight your family, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, kids absolutely love it—who can resist gooey cheese and a savory meat sauce?

“This baked ziti is pure comfort in a dish! My family can’t get enough of it. The layers of cheese and sauce make it feel so fancy, but it’s so easy to make.” – Sarah, a delighted home cook

The Cooking Process Explained

Let’s break down how this delicious dish comes together. You’ll start by cooking the ziti pasta until it’s al dente, then preparing the flavorful sauce and creamy ricotta filling. Layer everything beautifully in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that creates a mouthwatering experience.

Gather These Items

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable dish:

12 ounces ziti pasta
3 cups well-seasoned marinara sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
15 ounces ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk)
1 large egg
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Feel free to use ground turkey for a leaner option or even skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Ziti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain it and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent. If you’re using ground beef or sausage, add it now, cooking until evenly browned.
Mix the Marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing it to simmer and blend the flavors beautifully.
Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Layer the Dish: Grease a baking dish. Start by layering half of the cooked ziti, spreading half of the ricotta mixture evenly, sprinkling with half of the mozzarella cheese, and adding half of the marinara sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for a deliciously crispy topping.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This dish can be served in various delightful ways. For a cozy family dinner, pair it with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread. If you’re hosting friends, serve it alongside a nice glass of red wine. For a casual lunch, simply reheat a portion and enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables. The options are endless!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To store any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for a longer period, baking dish and all can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. For the best taste, reheat in the oven until warmed through; just be sure to cover it to keep the cheese from over-browning.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Don’t Overcook the Ziti: Since it will cook further in the oven, you want it to be just al dente.
Season Your Marinara: If your marinara sauce is on the bland side, don’t hesitate to add extra Italian herbs or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Layer Strategically: Make sure to spread the ricotta and sauces evenly. This ensures that every bite is deliciously cheesy.

Creative Twists

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to consider:

Add Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a little extra nutrition.
Different Meats: Swap out ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even a meatless sausage option.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top before serving for a fresh finish.

Common Questions

How much time should I plan for prep?
- Expect to spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 30-45 minutes for cooking and baking.
Can I make it ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble it a day before and just bake it when you’re ready.
Is it freezable?
- Yes, you can freeze it unbaked or baked. Just ensure it’s properly sealed to avoid freezer burn.
What if I don’t like ricotta?
- You can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese or a combination of cream cheese with sour cream for a similar texture.
How do I safely reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to ensure even heating, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through, taking care not to overheat.

Enjoy Your Meal!

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is bound to become a beloved staple in your home. With its rich flavors and satisfying layers, it’s perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or simply indulging yourself. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments!

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

A hearty baked ziti dish enriched with creamy ricotta, savory meat, and a crispy cheese topping, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta and Meat

12 ounces ziti pasta Cooked until al dente
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage Can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option

Sauce and Seasoning

3 cups well-seasoned marinara sauce Can adjust seasoning as needed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Mixture

15 ounces ricotta cheese Preferably whole milk
1 large egg
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Method

Preparation

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain it and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent. If using ground beef or sausage, add it now, cooking until evenly browned.
Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing it to simmer and blend the flavors beautifully.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.

Assembly and Baking

Grease a baking dish. Start by layering half of the cooked ziti, spreading half of the ricotta mixture evenly, sprinkling with half of the mozzarella cheese, and adding half of the marinara sauce.
Repeat these layers, finishing with a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for a deliciously crispy topping.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a cozy family dinner, pair with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread. This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.