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- 1 pound ziti pasta - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 2 cans (15 ounces each) marinara sauce - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained For Million Dollar Baked Ziti, the main ingredients create a rich and hearty dish. The ziti pasta forms the base of this meal. You can use either ground beef or turkey for protein. The marinara sauce and diced tomatoes add depth and flavor. - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup cottage cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Cheese is a star in this dish. I blend ricotta and cottage cheese for creaminess. Mozzarella adds stretch, while Parmesan gives a salty finish. Layer these cheeses for the best taste and texture. - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste Flavor is key in this recipe. I use fresh onion and garlic for a strong base. Italian seasoning brings warmth, while red pepper flakes add a hint of heat. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. Next, take 1 pound of ziti pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Now, let’s make the meat sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft. Next, add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook it until it is brown. Break the meat apart as it cooks. If there is excess fat, drain it. Stir in 2 cans of marinara sauce and 1 can of drained diced tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you want spice, and salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of cottage cheese, and half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Season this cheese mix with a bit of salt and pepper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Make sure the pasta is well coated. Now, grab a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the ziti mixture evenly at the bottom. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture on top. Layer the remaining ziti mixture over it. Finally, sprinkle the top with the rest of the mozzarella and all 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until it is bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool slightly before serving. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch! To make sure your ziti pasta is al dente, cook it for about two minutes less than the package says. This way, the pasta won’t get mushy when you bake it later. After draining, toss it with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. For that bubbly golden top, cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam and helps everything cook evenly. When you remove the foil, the top will brown nicely. If you want an extra crispy layer, broil it for a few minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye on it! To make your meal even better, serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti with a side salad. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is another great side. It soaks up the sauce perfectly. Top each serving with fresh basil. The bright, herbal taste contrasts well with the rich flavors of the ziti. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish. For serving, use a large, shallow dish. This way, everyone can see the layers of cheese and sauce. A clear glass dish looks great, too. It shows off the colors and textures. To enhance the visuals, add more fresh basil leaves on top. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a pop of color. Serve with a slice of lemon on the side. It adds a bright touch and a hint of flavor when squeezed over the dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese can elevate the flavors of your baked ziti significantly. Consider using fresh basil or oregano instead of dried. Mix Cheeses for Flavor: Combining different types of cheese, like mozzarella and provolone, can enhance the creaminess and flavor profile of your dish. Layering is Key: For a more even distribution of flavors, layer the pasta and cheese mixture instead of mixing them all together. This will ensure every bite is delicious! Let it Rest: Allowing the baked ziti to rest for about 10 minutes after coming out of the oven will help it set, making it easier to serve without falling apart. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in a baked ziti. Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey or sausage. This change gives a lighter taste. Ground turkey keeps the dish lean but still tasty. Sausage adds a spicy kick, perfect for flavor lovers. If you want to skip meat, try a vegetarian option. Use mushrooms or lentils as a base. They add texture and depth. You can also load up on veggies like spinach or zucchini. This keeps the dish hearty and wholesome. Cheese plays a big role in baked ziti. While ricotta and mozzarella are classic, feel free to mix it up. Try adding provolone or gouda for a unique taste. These cheeses melt well and add creaminess. For those avoiding dairy, there are great alternatives. Look for cashew or almond-based cheeses. These options taste great and keep the dish creamy. They can be a fantastic choice for a healthier version of your baked ziti. While marinara sauce is a staple, homemade options shine. You can make your own sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This adds a personal touch and fresh flavor to the dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces. Try a creamy alfredo or a spicy arrabbiata for a twist. Each sauce brings its own flavor, making the dish feel new each time. To keep your Million Dollar Baked Ziti fresh, cool it first. Place it in a shallow dish for faster cooling. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use airtight containers. Label the containers with the date. This way, you know when to use them. You can freeze baked ziti for later. After it cools, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. For best taste, use it within three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat without drying out, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in a baking dish. Add a splash of marinara sauce for moisture. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your tasty meal! You can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta. It gives a similar texture. Cream cheese works too, but you must soften it first. Another option is Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a little tang. If you want a vegan choice, use silken tofu blended until smooth. Each of these options will keep your baked ziti creamy and delicious. Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Cook the pasta and meat sauce, then mix them. Layer the pasta and cheese in a dish. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. You can make it one day in advance. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat. If you want to freeze it, let it cool first. Wrap it well and freeze for up to three months. Baked ziti lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure you store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a funny smell, throw it away. To enjoy it later, just reheat it in the oven or microwave. Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a tasty and fun dish to make. We covered the main ingredients like ziti pasta, ground meat, and cheese. I shared tips for cooking the perfect sauce and achieving that bubbly cheese topping. You can even switch up the proteins and cheeses to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly so they stay fresh. This dish is great for gatherings or a cozy family meal. With these easy steps, you’ll impress anyone who tries it! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

A delicious and cheesy baked ziti dish perfect for family gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce mixture until well coated.
  • In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly at the bottom. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture on top. Layer the remaining ziti mixture over it.
  • Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword baked ziti, cheesy, comfort food, pasta