If you’re searching for a show-stopping Italian-American classic that radiates warmth, comfort, and layers of cheesy, meaty goodness, look no further than the Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe. Every bite of this dish is like a cozy hug wrapped in pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of luscious cheeses. It’s the perfect meal to impress family, friends, or just treat yourself to something spectacularly satisfying. Once you lock in these flavors, this baked ziti will become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe lies in its thoughtfully simple ingredients, each bringing vital flavor, texture, or color that makes the dish truly unforgettable. From hearty meats and aromatic herbs to creamy cheeses and tender pasta, every component works in harmony.
- 1 pound ziti pasta: The ideal pasta shape for holding sauce and cheese in every bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth to the dish.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage: Brings a spicy, herby punch to complement the beef.
- 1 onion, chopped: Sweetness and subtle texture that rounds out the meat sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s pungent warmth elevates the entire flavor profile.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The hearty base of the sauce, fresh and vibrant.
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: Smoothes and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and lifting all flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spice and enhances aroma.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb to deepen the sauce’s complexity.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Brings fresh, sweet herbal notes that brighten every bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and nuttiness to enrich the mixture.
- 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and perfect for balancing acidity.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Binds everything with gooey, melty goodness.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Adds a gentle tang and extra depth to the cheese blend.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh pop of green and flavor.
How to Make Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your baked ziti cooks evenly and the cheeses melt into that luscious golden-bubbly perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the ziti according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain it well and set it aside—don’t overcook because it’ll finish cooking in the oven and you want that perfect chew.
Step 3: Brown the Meat and Soften Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine your ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until nicely browned for maximum flavor. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant—this builds the foundational savory notes.
Step 4: Create the Rich Meat Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken just right.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheeses
Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl and pour in the warm meat sauce. Add the Parmesan, Ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and fresh parsley. Mix everything together thoroughly so each noodle is lovingly coated in cheese and sauce.
Step 6: Assemble in a Baking Dish
Pour the hearty mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then cover with aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in while baking.
Step 7: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Bake the covered ziti for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes. This step gets the top layer of cheeses melted, golden, and irresistibly bubbly.
Step 8: Let it Rest Before Serving
Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This little wait helps everything set perfectly and makes it easier to serve without losing any of that gorgeous cheesy sauce.
How to Serve Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving to add freshness and an extra flavor boost. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or garlic-rubbed crusty bread. Roasted vegetables or a simple Caesar salad can round out your meal beautifully without competing with the dish’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, bake the ziti in individual ramekins or a cast iron skillet for a rustic feel. Adding a scattering of red pepper flakes or fresh basil leaves can make the dish visually stunning and offer an extra layer of flavor surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen, making each serving just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream. Assemble everything, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20–30 minutes depending on the portion size. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely to keep moisture in, stirring halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and sausage, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini to keep the dish hearty and flavorful. Using plant-based sausage can also be a delicious alternative.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, is ideal for this baked ziti. It adds authentic flavor and a wonderful texture contrast. You can adjust the spice level to your preference by choosing mild or hot varieties.
Do I have to use ziti pasta?
Ziti is traditional and works great because of its tube shape, which holds sauce and cheese beautifully. However, you can substitute penne or rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand; both will work well.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing the sauce and mixing everything in the baking dish a day ahead is a fantastic time-saver. Just cover it well and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold straight from the fridge.
How do I get the cheese topping perfectly bubbly?
Removing the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking is key. This allows the cheeses to melt fully, brown slightly, and form that irresistible golden crust we all love.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of sinking your fork into a warm, cheesy, and hearty Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated to a crowd-pleaser, with generous portions of flavor that bring people together. Whether for a family dinner or special occasion, I promise this baked ziti will become your go-to recipe when you want to impress and nourish with love in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorites!
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Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 30m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich and comforting Italian-American casserole featuring perfectly cooked ziti pasta combined with a savory meat sauce made from ground beef and Italian sausage. Blended with a trio of cheeses including Ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan, this baked dish is layered with aromatic herbs and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s the perfect hearty meal to satisfy family and guests.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
For the Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the ziti later.
- 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 thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, Parmesan cheese, Ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set for easier serving. Enjoy your Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti!
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated cheeses instead of pre-shredded for optimal melt and flavor.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with spicy sausage for a kick of heat.
- Fresh basil can be used instead of dried herbs for a fresher flavor if available.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
