Name: Million Dollar Baked Ziti – Rich, Cheesy & Full of Flavor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 24 oz marinara sauce; 8 oz tomato sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 large egg; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Short Description

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, packed with layers of rich, creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish takes traditional baked ziti to the next level by incorporating a luscious blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella for a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep, this ziti promises a restaurant-quality taste that’s easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Cheesy Goodness – The addition of cream cheese elevates the richness of this dish, making every bite indulgent.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory gathering, this baked ziti is always a hit.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance and bake when needed for a stress-free meal.
Crowd-Pleaser – Packed with hearty flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Easy to Customize – Swap ingredients to suit different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Ziti pasta
Ground beef or Italian sausage
Onion
Garlic
Marinara sauce
Tomato sauce
Ricotta cheese
Cream cheese
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Egg
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in marinara and tomato sauce, along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, half of the Parmesan, an egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Assemble the Ziti: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture. Spread a portion of the meat sauce over the top and sprinkle with some mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Variations

Meatless Option: Skip the ground meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Low-Carb Alternative: Swap ziti for roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Extra Creamy: Mix in a bit of heavy cream with the cheese mixture for an even richer texture.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked ziti for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F, adding extra time as needed.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the ziti, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. What pasta can I use instead of ziti?

Penne or rigatoni are great substitutes if you don’t have ziti.

3. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese works as a lower-fat alternative to ricotta.

4. How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?

Make sure to cover the dish while baking and use plenty of sauce to keep it moist.

5. What can I serve with baked ziti?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauce ingredients are gluten-free.

7. How can I add more vegetables?

Try layering sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the dish.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Try provolone, gouda, or fontina for a different flavor profile.

9. How long should I let the baked ziti rest before serving?

Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes so the layers set and it’s easier to serve.

10. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes! A homemade sauce will add even more flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, satisfying dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. With its creamy cheese layers and robust meat sauce, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a baked pasta dish that truly feels like a million bucks!

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