Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a pasta dish that brings together rich, hearty flavors with creamy, melty cheese that satisfies every craving, then you absolutely need to meet the Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti. This baked ziti recipe is a spectacular crowd-pleaser with layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory meat sauce, and luscious cheese that bakes up bubbling and golden. It’s comfort food at its finest and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for the Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti is straightforward but each one plays a crucial role — from the robust meats to the rich cheeses, they all come together to make this dish so unforgettable.
- 1 pound ziti pasta: The tubular shape holds sauce and cheese beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness while cooking the meats and onions.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and a meaty base that’s essential for the sauce.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Adds a wonderful depth of seasoning and a little extra spice.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and moisture to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with its classic aromatic punch.
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes: The main body of the sauce, rich and slightly chunky for texture.
- 30 ounces tomato sauce (2 cans): Smooths out and deepens the sauce base.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil: Adds that signature Italian herb flavor that brightens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Combines perfectly with basil to create authentic Italian flavor notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The simple seasonings that elevate every component.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, creating luscious, cheesy pockets throughout.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and stabilize the cheese layer.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top and in between layers for irresistible gooeyness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that contrasts the creaminess perfectly.
- Optional fresh basil (for garnish): A final pop of freshness and color to brighten the dish.
How to Make Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti pasta until it’s just al dente — this means it’s cooked but still has a slight bite, so it won’t get mushy when baked. Drain and set aside, ready to soak up all those delicious layers to come.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart with a spoon until nicely browned. This combo of meats is where the Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti gets its rich, savory heart. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent to build a wonderful flavor base.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This slow melding of ingredients is the magic that turns simple canned tomatoes into a truly special, complex sauce that coats every bite of pasta with warmth and depth.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling
While the sauce simmers, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds an indulgent richness and keeps layers tender and moist, providing those little pockets of cheesy delight that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
In a large baking dish, start by spreading half of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Follow with half of the cooked ziti pasta, then spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layering sequence once more, then finish by spreading the remaining meat sauce and topping with the rest of the mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. This careful layering creates the luscious texture and flavor contrasts that define the Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheeses to melt into gooey perfection. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes to achieve that irresistible golden, bubbly top that everyone loves. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the layers settle slightly.
How to Serve Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a bright, herbal lift to the rich baked ziti, balancing the cheese and meat sauce beautifully. You can also add a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes if you love a touch of heat. These simple garnishes make the dish look as fresh as it tastes.
Side Dishes
The Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A Caesar salad or roasted broccoli with lemon can introduce a fresh counterpoint to the hearty pasta, making the meal feel well-rounded without taking attention away from the star.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also sprinkle extra cheese before broiling for a crispier top. For a rustic vibe, serve it family-style straight from the baking dish with fresh herbs scattered on top and plenty of crusty bread on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify as it chills, making make-ahead meals even more rewarding. Just be sure to cool it before sealing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This baked ziti freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect meal prep candidate. Assemble the dish completely but do not bake, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, allowing an extra 10-15 minutes in the oven for thorough heating.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers or a thawed dish, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. To revive the cheese’s melty top, uncover for the last 5 minutes of baking to bring back that golden, bubbly texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work great as their tube shapes also hold the sauce and cheese nicely, though the authentic feel of the Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti comes from classic ziti pasta.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and sausage, and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I make this dairy-free?
While traditional ricotta and mozzarella cheeses make the dish what it is, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will slightly differ from the classic Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti.
How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe is mild by default, but if you like a little kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or select a spicy Italian sausage. You control the spice level to suit your taste perfectly.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales very well. Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes. Baking times may need slight adjustments, so keep an eye on that golden bubbly top.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warmth, comfort, and pure joy that comes from digging into the Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti. With its rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of melty cheese, it’s one of those dishes that brings people together and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Give yourself the gift of this indulgent yet approachable classic—it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy dinners and happy moments.
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Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, rich meat sauce made from ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 30 ounces tomato sauce (2 cans of 15 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture and Topping
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the ziti.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the large egg, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Layers: In a baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce over the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining meat sauce, pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Top and Cover: Finish by spreading the remaining meat sauce on top, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the grated Parmesan cheese over the surface. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake Covered: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake covered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting.
- For a spicier meat sauce, add red pepper flakes to taste.
- The recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake it fresh just before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner meat option.
- Adding a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms can add extra veggies to the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: baked ziti, Italian casserole, pasta bake, comfort food, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce
