Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the showstopper at every family gathering I host and there is nothing quite as joyful as the bubbling layers of cheese, pasta, and hearty meat sauce wafting their aroma throughout the kitchen. I have cherished perfecting this recipe over countless Sunday suppers with my family and each time everyone hovers around the oven, eager for the first delicious scoop.

From the moment I first brought this to a neighbor’s potluck it became the top request for every celebration. I still remember my sister-in-law asking for the recipe for her birthday dinner.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: holds sauce beautifully and stays firm during baking choose bronze-cut if possible for the best texture
• Italian sausage: delivers depth and authentic flavor choose fresh from the butcher or substitute with ground beef for a milder version
• Marinara sauce: ties everything together so use a flavorful one or make your own for best results
• Ricotta cheese: gives a classic creamy layer use whole milk ricotta for richness
• Cream cheese: blends seamlessly for extra smoothness opt for full-fat for the creamiest finish
• Sour cream: brings tang and helps cut the richness pick a thick-style sour cream if available
• Mozzarella cheese: melts into gooey stretchy goodness always grate it fresh for the best melt
• Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty salty finish choose Parmigiano Reggiano for punchy flavor
• Eggs: act as binders and give the cheesy layer structure use fresh farm eggs for color and richness
• Fresh herbs: like basil or parsley brighten up the dish use fresh leaves over dried for a vibrant finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

Cook ziti until almost but not fully al dente about two minutes under the package instructions. Rinse under cold water to halt cooking and prevent sticking.

Brown the Meat and Aromatics:

Sauté chopped onions in a large pan until fragrant and translucent. Add Italian sausage breaking it apart and cooking until browned. Stir in minced garlic letting the aroma develop for another minute.

Mix the Cheese Blend:

In a large mixing bowl combine ricotta cream cheese sour cream mozzarella half the parmesan beaten eggs and chopped fresh herbs. Stir together until smooth and fully blended.

Layer the Ingredients:

In a greased baking dish start with a spread of meat sauce followed by a layer of pasta then your cheese mixture. Continue layering finishing with sauce and a final generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbling:

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees until heated through about thirty minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional fifteen minutes or until the top is bubbling and slightly golden. Let rest for ten minutes before serving for perfect slices.

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Parmesan has always been my favorite here my family jokes that I would sprinkle it on everything. I will never forget my kids grating it together at the table while they waited for dinner and sneaking a few bits each time.

Storage Tips

Million Dollar Baked Ziti stores wonderfully. Cool leftovers completely before wrapping tightly with plastic and foil or transferring to airtight containers. Keeps in the fridge for up to four days. Freeze entire casseroles or individual portions for up to three months. For best results thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ziti for penne or rigatoni if that is what you have on hand. For a lighter version use turkey sausage or all ground beef. Not a fan of ricotta Cottage cheese works just as well though the texture will be a little different. Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the layers for extra vegetables and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

I always serve this ziti alongside a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread is a must for mopping up the extra sauce. For big gatherings I put out bowls of chopped fresh herbs and a wedge of parmesan for everyone to add their own finishing touches. It pairs beautifully with a full-bodied red wine or sparkling water with lemon.

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Cultural and Family Traditions

This dish is inspired by classic Italian-American baked pasta recipes but the over-the-top cheese blend makes it a modern crowd favorite. The ritual of layering the pasta and cheese brings everyone to the kitchen and even my kids love pitching in with the assembly. I always bake extra for sharing with friends or freezing for a comforting meal on busy nights.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why undercook the pasta before baking?

Cooking pasta slightly less than al dente ensures it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy, keeping a perfect texture.

→ Can cottage cheese replace ricotta in this dish?

Yes, cottage cheese provides a similar creamy texture and works well as a ricotta substitute, adding a slight protein boost.

→ What is the purpose of rinsing the cooked pasta?

Rinsing stops further cooking and removes excess starch, preventing the pasta from sticking and resulting in a less gummy casserole.

→ Why should the dish rest before serving?

A resting time allows the cheese layers to set, helping the casserole hold its shape and making it easier to serve.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, it can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Just add extra baking time when cooking from cold and wait to add the top cheese layer.

→ What herbs complement this baked pasta best?

Fresh basil adds sweet aromatic notes, while parsley offers a fresh, bright finish. Both enhance the overall flavor beautifully.