Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

There's nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy, and comforting goodness of Million Dollar Baked Ziti. This dish brings together layers of perfectly cooked pasta, a rich and creamy cheese mixture, and hearty marinara sauce topped with bubbling, golden mozzarella. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep.

I first made this dish for a friend’s housewarming party, and it was an instant hit. Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and from then on, it became my go-to whenever I wanted to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to make your own kitchen smell amazing? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Get ready to fall head over heels for this dish that tastes as indulgent as it sounds. Million Dollar Baked Ziti isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of creamy, cheesy, and savory perfection.

First, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps—boil, mix, layer, and bake—you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.

The flavors are next-level delicious. Combining tangy marinara, savory Italian sausage, and a luxurious cheese layer makes every bite feel like a little piece of heaven.

It’s also a budget-friendly option that can feed a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or prepping meals for the week, you’ll love how far this recipe stretches.

Lastly, it’s customizable and kid-friendly. Got picky eaters? No problem! You can tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Baked Ziti lies in its simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in delivering those signature flavors.

• Ziti pasta: This classic tubular pasta holds the sauce perfectly. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni make great substitutes.
• Marinara sauce: Choose a high-quality jarred marinara or make your own. A robust, flavorful sauce is the backbone of this dish.
• Italian sausage: Mild or spicy sausage adds incredible depth of flavor. You can substitute ground beef or turkey if preferred.
• Ricotta cheese: This creamy layer is where the “million-dollar” magic begins. For extra richness, mix in some sour cream or cream cheese.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds gooey, melty goodness, while grated Parmesan lends a savory, nutty kick.
• Seasonings: A blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.

Make sure to have a large baking dish and some aluminum foil on hand for the perfect bake!

How to Make This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Creating this irresistible dish is simpler than you think. Follow these step-by-step instructions for flawless results every time.

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your ziti pasta until just al dente (a minute or two less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.
3. Make the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and half the mozzarella. Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a dash of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Layer the ziti: Spread a thin layer of the sausage marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining marinara and a generous topping of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
5. Bake to perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Rest and serve: Let the baked ziti sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Million Dollar Baked Ziti stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the baked ziti either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Meat options: Swap Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative.
• Cheese swaps: Try using cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option or add a layer of provolone for extra gooeyness.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the sausage and bulk up the dish with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a little heat.

With so many ways to customize, you’ll never get bored of this comforting classic.

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