![To make the Million Dollar Baked Ziti, you need a few key items. Here’s the list of ingredients: - 1 pound ziti pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix) - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a big role. The ziti pasta gives the dish shape and bites. The ground beef or sausage adds a rich flavor. Marinara sauce brings a fresh, tangy taste. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess, while mozzarella and Parmesan provide that gooey, melted goodness we all love. Don’t forget the olive oil, onion, and garlic. They create a tasty base. Italian seasoning adds warmth, and red pepper flakes can spice things up. You can also add fresh basil for a burst of color and taste. Gather these items before you start. It makes cooking easier and more fun. For the complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. Preheat the Oven and Cook Pasta First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat will help the cheese melt nicely. Next, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta. Cook it according to the package, so it stays firm. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Sauté Vegetables and Cook the Meat In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it is soft. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for one more minute. This step brings out the flavor. After that, add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it's browned and fully cooked. Drain off any extra fat. Combine Sauce Ingredients Now, stir in the marinara sauce and ricotta cheese. Add the Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes for some heat. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Mix everything well until it is smooth and combined. Mix Pasta with Sauce Take a large bowl and mix the cooked ziti with the sauce you just made. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated in the sauce. This step makes sure every bite is full of flavor. Layer the Ingredients in the Baking Dish Grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly on the bottom. Next, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese on top. Then, add the rest of the pasta mixture. Finish by topping it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake the Baked Ziti Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. This time lets the cheese bubble and turn golden. Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti following this [Full Recipe]. - Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Pasta Cook the ziti pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. If you cook it too long, it can turn mushy in the oven. Follow the package instructions closely. Make sure to stir the pasta as it cooks to prevent sticking. - Preventing the Dish from Being Watery To keep your baked ziti from being watery, drain excess fat from the meat after browning. Also, make sure your marinara sauce is thick. If it’s too runny, simmer it for a bit before adding it to the dish. This will help create a creamy texture. - Garnishing with Fresh Basil Fresh basil adds a pop of color and flavor. After baking, sprinkle chopped basil on top. This brightens the dish and makes it look more appealing. You can even place whole leaves around the edges for a beautiful touch. - Serving Suggestions and Sides Serve the baked ziti with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad balances the richness of the dish. Garlic bread adds a nice crunch and flavor. You can also offer a light Italian dressing to drizzle on the salad for extra zest. You can find the full recipe earlier in this article for all the steps and details! {{image_2}} You can easily swap meats in this dish. Ground turkey or chicken works great. For a meatless option, use lentils or mushrooms. Both give a nice texture and flavor. Cheese also has room for change. For added creaminess, try using ricotta or cottage cheese. You can mix in some cream cheese for a richer taste. Vegan cheese is a solid choice too if you're dairy-free. Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers fit in well. Simply sauté them with the onion and garlic for a tasty upgrade. If you want some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. You can also use Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano brighten the whole dish. For a unique twist, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a hint of lemon juice. These small changes can make a big impact on flavor. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. After enjoying your Million Dollar Baked Ziti, store any leftovers properly. To keep it fresh, place the cooled ziti in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. - Best Practices for Refrigeration Store the ziti in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the lid is secure to avoid spills. If you need to use a plate, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. - Freezing Instructions for Long-Term Storage For longer storage, freeze the baked ziti. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating your baked ziti properly helps keep it delicious. Avoid drying it out while warming it up. - Best Methods to Reheat Baked Ziti The oven is the best method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot. If using a microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. - Tips for Maintaining Texture and Flavor Add a splash of marinara sauce on top before reheating. This keeps the pasta creamy and flavorful. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the heat distribute evenly. Enjoy your tasty meal! What makes Baked Ziti "Million Dollar"? Million Dollar Baked Ziti stands out because of its rich flavors and creamy texture. The mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses create a delightfully cheesy experience. Plus, the blend of seasonings adds depth to every bite. This dish feels fancy, making it perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the Baked Ziti, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, just pop it in the oven. This saves time and makes entertaining easier. How do I adjust servings for a larger group? To serve more people, simply double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish for the increase in volume. You can also scale up the ingredients based on how many guests you have. This way, everyone can enjoy a hearty serving of baked ziti. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe? Yes, you can absolutely use a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, just as you would in the oven. Set it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooker makes the dish even creamier, and it’s a great option for busy days. How can I make Baked Ziti spicier? To spice things up, add red pepper flakes to your sauce. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or hot Italian sausage. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This adds a kick that makes the dish exciting. What to do if I don't have ziti pasta? If you don't have ziti pasta, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes. Just make sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente before mixing it with the sauce. This ensures it holds its shape when baked. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. In this guide, we explored the essentials of baked ziti. We covered key ingredients like ziti pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese. You learned how to prepare and layer your dish for baking. I shared tips to ensure perfect texture and flavor, plus variations to suit your taste. Lastly, I discussed storage and reheating options. Baked ziti is simple and tasty, making it ideal for any meal. Enjoy creating your own version!](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9f17a388-6eff-47d9-b888-ea738aa76a03-300x300.webp)
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Million Dollar Baked Ziti! This ultimate comfort food is packed with ziti pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara, and layers of melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd, this dish is as delicious as it is easy to make. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your weeknight meals to a million-dollar experience!