why make this recipe
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a simple yet delicious dish that everyone loves. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering. The creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and rich marinara come together to create a comforting meal that feels special without being too complicated. With layers of flavor and texture, this baked ziti is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.
how to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients:
- Ziti pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the marinara sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti!
how to serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti warm from the oven. You can garnish it with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese for a touch of flavor. Pair it with a simple salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
how to store Million Dollar Baked Ziti
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze baked ziti by placing it in a freezer-safe dish. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the oven until warm.
tips to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- For extra flavor, sauté some chopped onions and bell peppers before adding them to the layers.
- Use a mix of cheese, such as adding provolone or fontina for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Make it a meal by adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce.
variation
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting any meat. You can also add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the layers for added nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni if you can’t find ziti.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the next day.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce if you like some heat.
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and delicious baked ziti dish, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- Mix together ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the marinara sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers before adding them to the layers. You can make it vegetarian by omitting any meat and adding veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
