Advertisements
Few comfort foods can rival the rich, cheesy perfection of Million Dollar Baked Ziti. This classic pasta casserole features layers of tender ziti, creamy ricotta, homemade tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella — baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or busy weeknights.
Advertisements
The “million dollar” nickname doesn’t come from its cost — it’s from the flavor. Every bite delivers layers of rich tomato sauce, velvety cheese, and hearty pasta that taste like a million bucks. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, this baked ziti recipe gives you all the satisfaction of lasagna without the extra work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family favorite: Kids and adults both adore its cheesy layers and savory flavor.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or freezer storage.
- Restaurant-quality flavor: A homemade sauce and cheese blend elevate this dish.
- Comforting and hearty: Every bite is creamy, rich, and satisfying.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients to create an indulgent dish.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s how each ingredient contributes to that million-dollar flavor:
Advertisements
- Ziti pasta: Holds sauce beautifully; penne or rigatoni can be substituted.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and enhances the aroma while sautéing onions and garlic.
- Onion and garlic: The flavor base of every good Italian sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste: Create a full-bodied, rich sauce.
- Dried oregano and basil: Bring that classic Italian taste.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a subtle spicy kick.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates the creamy, velvety layer that gives the dish its “million dollar” name.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the filling.
- Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color to the cheese layer.
- Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a smooth texture.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into that irresistible golden topping.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Baked Ziti
- Cook pasta al dente: It continues to cook in the oven, so don’t overboil it.
- Let it rest before serving: This helps the layers set for clean, even slices.
- Use high-quality tomatoes: They make a huge difference in the flavor of your sauce.
- Add meat for heartiness: Browned ground beef or Italian sausage turns it into a complete meal.
- Mix sauce and pasta well: Ensures every bite is coated with flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble a day in advance and refrigerate until baking time.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try these tasty variations:
- Meat Lover’s Ziti: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Vegetable Ziti: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Four Cheese Ziti: Mix in provolone, fontina, or asiago with the mozzarella for extra richness.
- Spicy Ziti Bake: Add extra red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
Pairing Suggestions
Million Dollar Baked Ziti pairs beautifully with classic Italian sides:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp greens balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add color and nutrition to the meal.
- Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Merlot complements the tomato base perfectly.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezer: Assemble and freeze (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheat Tip: Add a splash of water or sauce before reheating to keep the pasta from drying out.
Popular Questions
Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready.
What’s the difference between ziti and lasagna?
Ziti is quicker and simpler to prepare but still has the same layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese — without the hassle of lasagna noodles.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely. Cottage cheese works well as a lighter substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
How do I know when the baked ziti is done?
The top should be golden and bubbling, and the cheese fully melted.
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, and egg. Mix until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the cooked pasta with half of the tomato sauce. Spread half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Spoon the ricotta mixture over it evenly. Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
Advertisements