There's nothing quite like the comforting allure of a warm, cheesy baked ziti bubbling away in the oven. The combination of perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and hearty marinara makes this dish irresistible for any occasion. It's the perfect recipe to gather your family or impress your guests with minimal effort.

I first came across this recipe during a potluck dinner, and it quickly became a staple in my household. Its luxurious layers and rich flavors truly live up to the "million-dollar" name. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite baked pasta recipe. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti has everything you need for a satisfying and memorable meal.

First off, it’s the ultimate comfort food. With creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a savory meat sauce, every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish!

This recipe is incredibly simple to make. Even on busy weeknights, you can have it prepped and in the oven in under 30 minutes. That’s a win for anyone juggling a packed schedule.

Another reason to adore this dish is its crowd-pleasing nature. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hosting a dinner party, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Lastly, Million Dollar Baked Ziti is make-ahead and freezer-friendly. You can prepare it in advance, making it ideal for meal prepping or those hectic nights when you just need something easy to pop into the oven.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Baked Ziti lies in its balance of hearty ingredients and indulgent textures. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

Ziti Pasta: The foundation of this recipe. Ziti’s tube-like shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes.

Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: This combination creates a robust and savory meat sauce. The beef provides richness, while the sausage adds a hint of spice and depth. You can use mild or hot sausage, depending on your preference.

Ricotta Cheese: The star of the creamy layer. Ricotta adds a luscious texture that pairs perfectly with the tangy marinara and gooey cheese. If you prefer, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute.

Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella melts into a stretchy, gooey topping, while Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick to the layers. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

Marinara Sauce: A high-quality marinara is essential for a rich and flavorful dish. Opt for your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce for extra freshness.

How To Make This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Creating this indulgent baked ziti is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by cooking your ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to develop its flavors.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and a handful of grated Parmesan. This creamy mixture will create the "million-dollar" layer that makes this dish so special.

To assemble, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture, and a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers, finishing with a hearty layer of sauce and a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Options

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is just as versatile for storage as it is for serving. Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh:

For refrigeration, transfer the cooled ziti to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

If you’re planning to freeze, assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

For single portions, divide the ziti into freezer-friendly containers for quick, individual meals.

Variations and Substitutions

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

If you prefer a lighter dish, swap out the ricotta for part-skim ricotta or cottage cheese and use lean ground turkey instead of beef and sausage.

Want a spicy kick? Use hot Italian sausage and sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for extra heat.

For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

Experiment with cheeses! Try mixing in provolone, fontina, or asiago for a different flavor profile.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a dish that can be customized to suit your tastes, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!

Enjoy this crowd-pleasing recipe with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad, and watch it disappear from plates in no time.