If you are craving a comfort food classic that elevates simple ingredients into a truly indulgent experience, then the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is a rich, cheesy, and hearty pasta casserole that brings together Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and ziti pasta in a way that feels luxurious yet homey. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable. From the ziti pasta that provides a sturdy base to the creamy cheeses that create that signature lusciousness, every ingredient is critical to success.
- Ziti pasta (1 lb): The perfect tubular pasta that holds sauce and cheese beautifully, delivering flavor with every bite.
- Italian sausage (1¼ lb, casings removed): Adds savory, spiced richness that infuses the whole dish with meaty goodness.
- Spaghetti sauce (2 jars, 24 oz each): Packed with tomatoey, herbs-and-spice depth, it’s the foundation of the saucy component.
- Cottage cheese (1½ cups): Brings a subtle tang and creamy texture that balances the heavier cheeses.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature): Creates a velvety, smooth base that makes the casserole decadently rich.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds a slight tang and moisture that keeps everything luscious without weighing it down.
- Mozzarella cheese (3 cups, shredded, divided): The melty, bubbly cheese topping that crowns this dish with golden perfection.
- Large eggs (2): Binds the cheese mixture together for that perfect sliceable texture when baked.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures your baked ziti won’t stick and that it will bake evenly, forming a beautiful crust on top as it cooks.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside, ready to soak up all the flavors in the next steps.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up gently, until it turns evenly browned and no longer pink in the center. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and let the flavors marry for a few minutes.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese and Egg Combo
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir this mixture well until it’s smooth and creamy, forming the luscious filling that brings the entire casserole together.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Slowly fold in the meat sauce and the cooked pasta into the cheese mixture. Make sure everything is evenly incorporated so every bite will have the perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and pasta. Then transfer it all into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
Step 6: Add the Final Cheese Layer and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese generously over the top in an even layer. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and the cheese on top turns a glorious golden brown with slightly crispy edges, signaling it’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds an extra pop of color and fresh herb aroma, balancing the richness of the baked ziti. A dusting of grated Parmesan or a few cracked black pepper flakes on top can add more flavor dimension and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
To complement the creamy and savory baked ziti, consider serving a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, also make excellent, nutritious sides that balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider baking individual portions in oven-safe ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This not only makes serving easier but also creates an appealing presentation. You could also layer the casserole in a clear glass baking dish so the beautiful layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce are visible before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe stays delicious when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The cheese and sauce meld even more overnight, making the flavors richer the next day.
Freezing
This baked ziti freezes exceptionally well. Simply let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for busy nights or batch cooking enthusiasts.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in a 350ºF oven covered with foil so it heats evenly without drying out. About 20 to 30 minutes should do the trick. Alternatively, individual servings can be reheated in the microwave, just be sure to cover to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a fine substitute if you prefer a milder flavor. Just season it well with Italian herbs and spices to mimic the sausage’s robust taste.
Is it necessary to use both cream cheese and cottage cheese?
Using both cheeses adds layers of creaminess and tang that make the casserole so rich and flavorful. However, you can experiment with only one type if needed, but it may slightly alter the texture and taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the Italian sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version that still satisfies those comfort food cravings.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cooking the pasta just until al dente and draining it thoroughly helps avoid mushiness. Don’t overcook it during boiling, because it will continue to cook in the oven.
How spicy is the finished dish?
The level of spice depends mostly on the Italian sausage used and the spaghetti sauce. You can control the heat by choosing mild or spicy sausage according to your preference, making this dish versatile for all taste buds.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe that makes it stand out from your typical pasta bake—its perfect blend of creamy cheeses, flavorful sausage, and comforting pasta creates a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a crowd or a cozy night at home, this baked ziti hits that perfect note of rich, cheesy, nostalgia-filled goodness. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 to 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 to 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting, hearty Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta baked with flavorful Italian sausage, rich cheeses, and a robust spaghetti sauce. This layered casserole combines creamy cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream with mozzarella and eggs to create a luscious, cheesy texture that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta
Meat and Sauce
- 1¼ lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 (24-oz) jars spaghetti sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1½ cups cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly, ensuring it doesn’t stick together.
- Cook the sausage and sauce: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat carefully, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and heat through to combine flavors.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese (at room temperature for smoothness), sour cream, eggs, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy cheese mixture.
- Combine all components: Add the cooked pasta and meat sauce mixture to the cheese filling. Stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Pour this combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add the final cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ziti mixture for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly throughout and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Allow the baked ziti to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to set slightly before serving. This enhances flavor melding and makes serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, or a plant-based alternative to modify the flavor or meet dietary preferences.
- For a spicier dish, choose a spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; just assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
