Step into the world of culinary bliss with Million Dollar Baked Ziti – a rich, indulgent pasta dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and have your family raving. This irresistible recipe combines layers of al dente ziti, a flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy filling that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food that’s worthy of its “million dollar” title.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook Pasta
Begin by boiling the ziti pasta in salted water according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be assembled into the ultimate baked ziti masterpiece.
Prepare Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.</
Make Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix these ingredients until they’re evenly incorporated, creating a rich and creamy cheese filling that will take your baked ziti to new heights.
Assemble Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce to create a flavorful foundation. Next, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by an even spread of the ricotta cheese mixture. Add another layer of the meat sauce, then top it with the remaining ziti. Finish by pouring the rest of the meat sauce over the top and sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the Million Dollar Baked Ziti for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and Serve
Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will give the layers a chance to set, ensuring that each bite is a perfectly balanced blend of creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed goodness. Prepare to be showered with praise as your family and guests savor this million-dollar masterpiece!
Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Ziti
To take your Million Dollar Baked Ziti to the next level, consider these expert tips:
- Customize the Meat: While ground beef or Italian sausage are classic choices, you can also experiment with a combination of meats or even substitute with ground turkey or plant-based protein for a healthier twist.
- Elevate the Sauce: Jazz up the marinara sauce by simmering it with extra herbs, spices, or a splash of red wine for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Cheese It Up: Feel free to play with the cheese blend, incorporating other melty varieties like Gruyère or provolone for an even more decadent result.
- Garnish with Flair: Finish your baked ziti with a sprinkle of fresh basil, a drizzle of pesto, or a dusting of grated Parmesan for a visually appealing and flavorful presentation.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the entire dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes for a convenient and stress-free weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Ziti
Pair your Million Dollar Baked Ziti with a crisp, fresh salad and some warm, crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying Italian-inspired feast. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a simple grilled or roasted protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage. And don’t forget to have a bottle of your favorite red wine on hand to complement the rich, comforting flavors of this dish.
Storing and Reheating Baked Ziti
Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven until heated through. For best results, cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the ziti is hot and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can baked ziti sit out?
Baked ziti should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. For food safety, it’s best to refrigerate any leftover baked ziti as soon as possible.
Why is baked ziti so good?
Baked ziti is so delicious because it combines the comforting flavors of pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy filling. The layered assembly and baking process create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that make it a beloved Italian-American classic.
How many people does one pan of baked ziti feed?
A standard 9×13 inch baking dish of Million Dollar Baked Ziti can typically serve 8 to 10 people, depending on portion sizes. The recipe is easily scalable, so you can adjust the quantities to feed a larger or smaller crowd as needed.
How unhealthy is baked ziti?
Baked ziti can be considered a relatively indulgent dish due to the combination of pasta, cheese, and meat. However, with a few simple tweaks, such as using leaner ground meat, reduced-fat cheeses, and whole-wheat pasta, you can create a healthier version that still delivers on flavor without excessive calories or fat.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
Conclusion
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a true testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients combined with a little culinary creativity. This irresistible dish is the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to warm your soul and satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. So, gather your loved ones, dive into this cheesy, saucy masterpiece, and experience the true meaning of “million dollar” dining at home.
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Print
Indulge in Million Dollar Baked Ziti – A Comfort Food Delight!
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Step into the world of culinary bliss with Million Dollar Baked Ziti – a rich, indulgent pasta dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and have your family raving.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Begin by boiling the ziti pasta in salted water according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be assembled into the ultimate baked ziti masterpiece.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix these ingredients until they’re evenly incorporated, creating a rich and creamy cheese filling that will take your baked ziti to new heights.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce to create a flavorful foundation. Next, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by an even spread of the ricotta cheese mixture. Add another layer of the meat sauce, then top it with the remaining ziti. Finish by pouring the rest of the meat sauce over the top and sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the Million Dollar Baked Ziti for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will give the layers a chance to set, ensuring that each bite is a perfectly balanced blend of creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed goodness.
Notes
To take your Million Dollar Baked Ziti to the next level, consider these expert tips:
– Customize the Meat: While ground beef or Italian sausage are classic choices, you can also experiment with a combination of meats or even substitute with ground turkey or plant-based protein for a healthier twist.
– Elevate the Sauce: Jazz up the marinara sauce by simmering it with extra herbs, spices, or a splash of red wine for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
– Cheese It Up: Feel free to play with the cheese blend, incorporating other melty varieties like Gruyère or provolone for an even more decadent result.
– Garnish with Flair: Finish your baked ziti with a sprinkle of fresh basil, a drizzle of pesto, or a dusting of grated Parmesan for a visually appealing and flavorful presentation.
– Make It Ahead: Prepare the entire dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes for a convenient and stress-free weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 60