Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
A decadent, cheesy masterpiece with layers of flavor so rich, it’s worth its weight in gold—your new go-to comfort food!
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The sauce for this baked ziti is where the magic truly happens. It’s a rich, tangy blend of tomatoes and spices that simmers on the stove, filling your kitchen with the kind of mouthwatering aroma that makes everyone gather around. I love how the longer you let it cook, the deeper the flavors get, as if the ingredients are all getting to know each other better. Fresh garlic, a bit of basil, and just the right amount of red pepper flakes give it a cozy warmth without overpowering the other flavors. The secret? A splash of cream added right at the end for a smooth, velvety texture that hugs every piece of pasta.

As the sauce comes together, you can already feel the anticipation building for the layering part. I have a little trick I’ve learned over the years: when layering the pasta and cheese, I don’t just sprinkle the cheese on top—I mix some right into the sauce itself. This creates pockets of gooey, cheesy goodness that melt into the ziti, making each bite a savory little surprise. It’s these thoughtful, but simple touches that elevate a dish from good to incredible.

When you slide that bubbling, golden dish out of the oven, you’ll be met with the perfect combination of crisp edges, tender pasta, and that glorious cheesy top. There’s something truly special about the balance of flavors—tangy, savory, and just the right amount of richness—that makes this baked ziti worthy of any celebration.

Key Ingredients in Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti

The beauty of this baked ziti lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each contributing a unique flavor that builds on the others. From the tanginess of tomatoes to the creamy indulgence of cheese, these ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish truly irresistible:

  • Ziti Pasta
    The hearty base of the dish, ziti pasta’s tubular shape holds onto the sauce and cheese, delivering that satisfying bite in every forkful. It’s the perfect vessel to carry all those layers of flavor.
  • Crushed Tomatoes
    These form the backbone of the sauce, providing that classic tomato flavor that’s rich, tangy, and just a little sweet. They create the perfect canvas for all the seasonings and herbs.
  • Garlic
    A few cloves of fresh garlic bring that irresistible aromatic punch, deepening the flavor profile of the sauce and filling your kitchen with the comforting scent of home-cooked goodness.
  • Basil
    Fresh basil adds a burst of herbal brightness that balances out the richness of the cheese and cream. It’s the herb that ties everything together, bringing a fragrant note of summer into each bite.
  • Red Pepper Flakes
    Just a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the sauce a subtle kick—enough to warm the palate without overshadowing the other flavors. It’s the little touch of heat that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Heavy Cream
    This is the magic ingredient that transforms the sauce into a velvety, luxurious coating for the pasta. The cream adds a smooth richness that makes every bite feel indulgent and comforting.
  • Ricotta Cheese
    Creamy, soft, and mild, ricotta cheese adds a light, slightly sweet element to the dish. When baked, it helps create that perfect, pillowy texture in the middle layers of the ziti.
  • Mozzarella Cheese
    Mozzarella brings the stretch! It melts beautifully into the pasta and creates that golden, bubbly top. Its mild, milky flavor is the perfect complement to the tangy sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese
    A finishing touch that gives the dish an extra layer of sharpness and saltiness. Parmesan helps cut through the richness of the mozzarella and adds a lovely umami kick to the dish.
  • Olive Oil
    A drizzle of olive oil in the sauce adds a smooth richness and enhances the depth of flavor, making the sauce taste a little more complex and full-bodied.

These ingredients, when combined with care, come together to create the ultimate baked ziti experience—rich, flavorful, and totally irresistible.

How to Make Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti


  • STEP 1: Boil the Ziti
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
  • STEP 2: Prepare the Sauce
    In a large saucepan, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, then pour in 2 cans (28 oz each) of crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little pasta water to adjust the consistency.
  • STEP 3: Add the Cream and Seasonings
    Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and fresh chopped basil to taste. Keep the sauce on low heat while you prep the cheeses.
  • STEP 4: Layer the Ziti
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with about 1/2 of the sauce, ensuring the pasta is coated evenly. Stir in about 1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Toss gently to combine. This cheesy pasta mixture will create pockets of gooey goodness throughout the dish.
  • STEP 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil. Spread a thin layer of the remaining sauce on the bottom of the dish. Then, pour in the pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining sauce, ensuring the pasta is fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
  • STEP 6: Bake
    Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  • STEP 7: Serve and Enjoy
    Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set so every slice comes out beautifully. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Serving Suggestions for Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti

1. A Fresh Green Salad
This baked ziti is rich and indulgent, so balance it out with a crisp, refreshing salad. I love tossing together some fresh mixed greens, a few slices of cucumber, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the ziti and adds a lovely contrast to the dish.

2. Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with garlic bread alongside baked pasta! The crispy, buttery, garlicky goodness complements the creamy ziti perfectly. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a side of marinara for dipping—just a little more of that sauce you’ve already fallen in love with.

3. Wine Pairing
For an extra touch of sophistication, pair your baked ziti with a glass of red wine. A medium-bodied option like Chianti or Merlot enhances the savory flavors in the dish, and the slight acidity of the wine helps balance out the creaminess. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy while digging into those gooey, cheesy layers.

These simple touches elevate your meal and make this baked ziti the star of any dinner!

How to Store Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this delicious baked ziti (which I’m sure you will), storing it properly will keep that creamy, cheesy goodness just as satisfying the next time you dig in. To preserve the flavor and texture, start by letting the dish cool down to room temperature. I know it’s tempting to dive right back in, but giving it a few minutes will ensure you don’t ruin the perfect melt of cheese.

For short-term storage, cover your baked ziti with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, and you’ll still get that delicious cheese pull with each bite. When you’re ready to reheat, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and hot all the way through. If you’re feeling impatient, a microwave will do the trick, but I recommend covering it with a damp paper towel to keep the pasta from drying out.

If you want to store it for a longer stretch, this baked ziti freezes beautifully. Just portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, and make sure to press out any excess air before sealing. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake it the same way as you would leftovers, or pop it straight from the freezer into a preheated oven for a little extra time. It’s like having a cozy dinner waiting for you—ready when you are.

Conclusion


There you have it—your ultimate guide to creating the most indulgent, flavorful baked ziti that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds)! From the rich, tangy sauce to the gooey cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish truly is the comfort food dream. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’re wrapping everyone you love in a warm, cheesy hug.

I hope you find as much joy in making this as I do. It’s the kind of dish that turns any meal into a celebration, and trust me, it’s totally worth the effort. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, friends, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this baked ziti will never disappoint.

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—did you add your own little twist? Have any tips or tricks that make it even more special? Feel free to share your thoughts, ask any questions, or just chat with me if you need any help along the way. I’m always here to lend a hand in the kitchen (and beyond)!

Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Calories: 700

Description

Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a mouthwatering blend of rich marinara, savory Italian sausage, and creamy ricotta, all baked to golden perfection. With layers of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, each bite is a comforting, cheesy masterpiece!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  3. Add the ziti pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
  4. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  6. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. Remove the meat mixture from the skillet and drain any excess fat.
  9. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
  10. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  11. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
  12. Add the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
  13. Stir the sauce mixture well and bring it to a simmer.
  14. Once the sauce is simmering, add the water and stir to combine.
  15. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  16. While the sauce is simmering, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley in a large mixing bowl.
  17. Stir the cheese mixture until well combined and smooth.
  18. Once the sauce has finished simmering, add the cooked meat mixture back into the skillet and stir to combine.
  19. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  20. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
  21. Transfer half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  22. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ziti and spread it out gently to cover.
  23. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the Pecorino Romano cheese over the ricotta mixture.
  24. Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining ziti mixture on top of the cheese layer.
  25. Top with the remaining ricotta cheese mixture and spread it out evenly.
  26. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese and Pecorino Romano cheese on top.
  27. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  28. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
  29. Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  30. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Note

  • Make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
  • You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added texture.
  • Let the baked ziti rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld and make it easier to cut.
Keywords: Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe, creamy baked ziti with ricotta, cheesy baked ziti casserole, easy million dollar ziti, baked ziti with secret ingredients

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. While ziti is the traditional choice, penne, rigatoni, or another tubular pasta would work just as well. The key is to choose a pasta that holds up well to the heavy sauce and cheese mixture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the baked ziti up to a day in advance. After preparing the layers, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking as directed.

Can I substitute the ground beef or Italian sausage with other proteins?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with other proteins if you'd like. Ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute like plant-based sausage can be used. Just make sure the substitute is fully cooked before adding it to the sauce.

How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

To adjust the spice level, you can modify the amount of red pepper flakes. For a spicier dish, increase the amount or add some hot sauce. For a milder version, you can reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. Taste the sauce before adding the pasta to ensure the spice level is just right for you.

Can I freeze the baked ziti leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover baked ziti. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until it's heated through and bubbly.

Maria Bennet

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I’m Maria Bennet! A self-taught home cook and food lover with a passion for creating simple, delicious recipes that bring people together

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