why make this recipe
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that combines tender pasta, a creamy ricotta base, hearty meat sauce, and bubbling cheese. It’s a great weeknight dinner, potluck favorite, or make-ahead dish for busy nights — rich enough to feel special but simple to prepare.
introduction
This baked ziti takes the classic Italian-American pasta bake and elevates it with a creamy ricotta-egg mixture and generous layers of mozzarella and Parmesan. The result is a golden, cheesy top and a luscious interior that holds together when served. It’s called “Million Dollar” for good reason: indulgent, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable.
how to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
This recipe is built in stages: cook the pasta, prepare the sauce with sautéed aromatics and browned meat, mix the ricotta binder, and assemble layered in a baking dish before a short bake to meld flavors and brown the cheese. Follow the Directions below for step-by-step timing and tips.
Ingredients :
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (well-seasoned)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Directions :
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, ensuring not to overcook since it will bake in the oven later., In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or sausage if using, breaking it up and cooking until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer to blend flavors., In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy to create the binding base of the baked ziti., Grease a baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, spread half the ricotta mixture evenly, sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese, and add half the sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous topping of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust., Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
how to serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Serve in wedges or scoops with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to mop up extra sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Let portions rest 3–5 minutes after baking so slices hold together.
how to store Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and store up to 3–4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Freezer: Assemble and freeze unbaked (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10–15 minutes if still chilled.
tips to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente prevents a mushy bake.
- Use whole-milk ricotta for creamier texture; drain excess watery ricotta if needed.
- Brown the meat well for deeper flavor; drain excess fat before adding sauce.
- Layer evenly to ensure every forkful has cheese, ricotta, and sauce.
- Let the casserole rest after baking so it firms up and slices cleanly.
variation (if any)
- Vegetarian: Omit meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted vegetables.
- Lighter: Swap part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella, and use lean ground turkey.
- Extra creamy: Stir a splash of heavy cream into the ricotta mixture or fold in mascarpone.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to bake time if chilled.
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes — penne, rigatoni, or most tubular pastas work well.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
A: Ensure your sauce is not overly watery and drain cooked pasta well. Baking uncovered at the end helps evaporate excess moisture.
Conclusion
For a tested, crowd-pleasing version of this dish and additional tips, check the original Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe on Plain Chicken: Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe – Plain Chicken.
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it up and cooking until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer to blend flavors.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth to create the binding base.
- Grease a baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, spread half the ricotta mixture evenly, sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese, and add half the sauce.
- Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous topping of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
